Decal application q's

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   Hi guys,

Just need to confirm a few things before I jump in and apply the big Ski Nautique stickers. 

The gelcoat has just been restored to a shine with the two last passes being a combined cutters/polisher and wax. Do I need to clean the surface back to original gel (wax/grease remover) to insure the decals stick? Or are they okay to go on top of a polished surface?

I've read that a little soap added to some water will help, how much water should I put on the surface? A light coating or a bit?

And finally, what method of applying should be used? and what tool is best to use for bubble removal?

Thanks all in advance. 

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Nevergrew Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: March-22-2010 Location: Australia, NSW Status: Offline Points: 74	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nevergrew Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Decal application q's Posted: August-07-2011 at 7:41pm
	Hi guys, Just need to confirm a few things before I jump in and apply the big Ski Nautique stickers. The gelcoat has just been restored to a shine with the two last passes being a combined cutters/polisher and wax. Do I need to clean the surface back to original gel (wax/grease remover) to insure the decals stick? Or are they okay to go on top of a polished surface? I've read that a little soap added to some water will help, how much water should I put on the surface? A light coating or a bit? And finally, what method of applying should be used? and what tool is best to use for bubble removal? Thanks all in advance.

8122pbrainard Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: September-14-2006 Location: Three Lakes Wi. Status: Offline Points: 41045	Post Options Post Reply Quote 8122pbrainard Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August-07-2011 at 8:22pm
	Justin, My suggestion is to dewax that area where you are doing the decals. and then go over it with wax.
	54 Atom 77 Tique 64 X55 Dunphy Keep it original, Pete <

KRoundy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: August-23-2010 Location: Lake Stevens Status: Offline Points: 1702	Post Options Post Reply Quote KRoundy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August-07-2011 at 9:20pm
	I agree. Don't put the decals on top of wax.
	Previous: 1993 Electric Blue/Charcoal Ski Nautique Current: 2016 Ski Nautique 200 Open Bow

TX Foilhead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: February-01-2009 Location: Kingsland TX Status: Offline Points: 2076	Post Options Post Reply Quote TX Foilhead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August-08-2011 at 12:47am
	I just did mine, no wax they should go on after the the last step of polish. I would try an acetone wipe and then wash with vinegar and water . I washed withe vinegar after every change of polish, then waxed after the application. I did it dry, and will be redoing some of them wet next time. There are tons of vids about the process on YouTube. If you do them dry once they touch the boat, that's it. I was fortunate that most of the mistakes only bother me, but that's enough for me to redo them.

dwcar Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Platinum Member Joined: February-11-2007 Location: Houston Texas Status: Offline Points: 1103	Post Options Post Reply Quote dwcar Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August-08-2011 at 1:22am
	No wax. Mix a little soap and water in a spray bottle to apply. Use a credit card or small rubber squeegee to smooth out bubbles. Use lots the soapy water on top of the decals with your cc or squeegee
	83Ski

OverMyHead Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Grand Poobah Joined: March-14-2008 Location: MN Status: Offline Points: 4861	Post Options Post Reply Quote OverMyHead Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August-08-2011 at 3:28am
	A sponge works Ok for water application also. kind of pat it so it is a little bubbly. A wallpaper sgueegy or similar has rounder edges than a credit card and does not catch the decal as much making it easier to push bubbles. This is what works for me. I lettered a few ambulances with some large graphics. Measure and tape the decals in place before removing the backing. When you are happy tape reference marks for the corners of the paper decal sheet. Remove the sheets, now get the surfacce wet, place the sheet properly and smooth from the center out removing all bubbles. let dry awhile 5-10 min before you remove the paper.
	For thousands of years men have felt the irresistible urge to go to sea, and many of them died. Things got better after they invented boats. 1987 Ski Nautique

Nevergrew Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: March-22-2010 Location: Australia, NSW Status: Offline Points: 74	Post Options Post Reply Quote Nevergrew Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August-08-2011 at 7:14am
	Much appreciated gents, thanks ! Got it covered now

Decal application q's

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