Outboard decals - Installation instructions

HOW TO INSTALL YOUR DECALS

Now if you need details or suggestions, we can suggest the following:

SIMPLE INSTALLATION

• Clean the area where the decal will be applied.
• Remove the paperback.
• Start from one end and carefully press the decal into its desired position while working out air pockets.
• Carefully remove clear covering making sure you do not rip the decal.
• It’s that simple to install

SURFACE PREPARATIONS

All surfaces must be free of wax, dirt, and old adhesive residue before applying your vinyl graphics to ensure proper adhesion. Make sure the area is clean, peeling or lifting can occur. Here is a list of materials and how to clean them.

• Fiberglass boats: Clean with acetone or 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover (our preferred cleaner). After the solvent has evaporated, wipe the area down with soapy water (a few drops of dish soap mixed with water in a spray bottle).
• Plastics and glass: Wipe surface clean with window cleaner. Remove tape or glue residue with a single edge razor blade.
• Painted metals and base metals: Clean with a solvent like Lacquer Thinner. Dry with a lint-free cloth before the solvent evaporates. Then, re-clean with soapy water before applying.
• Freshly painted surfaces: Let the surface dry for 72 hours prior to applying.
• Interior painted surfaces: Clean with any household cleaner or mild soap and water.
• Temperature requirements: The room and surface temperature should be between 45˚F to 80˚F for the best results. Humidity above 90% may affect the application process.

APPLICATION

Important!: We Highly recommend a "Dry application", if you use water, soapy water, alcohol or other, it will be considered a contaminant, Use it at your own risk.

For Small decals
Decals that are 3” high or less can be applied “dry” (without soapy water). Position the decal like a bumper sticker and squeegee down. You only have one chance with this application, use at your own risk!

You will need:

• Masking tape
• A spray bottle
• Dishwashing liquid
• Tape measure
• Squeegee

1. Use the masking tape to underline where you to place vinyl sign so you will be straight. If there are letters that drop below the line, remove the tape from that area.
2. In the spray bottle, mix the 20 drops of dish soap and one pint of water. Spray the soapy water on the area you want the vinyl placed.
3. Place the graphics face down and peel the wax paper backing. Spray the soapy water on the back of the vinyl. Be sure the graphics are sticking to the application tape.
4. While the area is still wet, place the graphics in the selected position. The soapy water will allow you to slide the graphics into place and remove any air bubbles easily. Gently rub your palms over the graphic.
5. Use a squeegee to squeeze out the water from under the graphics. Squeegee in all directions several times. This will remove any air and water that is under the graphic.
6. Let the graphic dry completely. The time it takes depends on the temperature: 80˚F – 30 minutes, 70˚F – 3 hours, 50˚F – 4 to 6 hours.
7. Slowly peel back the translucent application tape. The graphics will stay in place as long as they are dry. If it doesn’t stay, place it back and repeat the squeegee process. Then let it dry all over again.
8. Check for any air bubbles. If there are any, place a small amount of the translucent application tape over the area and squeeze the bubble to the closest edge of the graphic. If that doesn’t work, pop it with a pin. Small bubbles will eventually disappear from the sun.
9. After the graphic is applied, take a picture to show off and don’t forget to e-mail us a copy.

Do not Power wash your decals. Never use a Power buffer over a decal.

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HELPFUL HINTS

• Try not to install on a windy day or in direct sunlight on a hot day.
• Never apply direct heat to the decal such as a blow dryer or buffing wheel.
• Use Easy-Off oven cleaner to remove any old painted letters,
• and be sure to wear gloves and eye protection.

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REMOVING OLD DECALS

If you want to preserve the old decals, you can put a clear piece of vinyl on top and remove the decal with a blade, This clear vinyl will help the decal to stay on one piece, before removing or dispose of your decals send us an email, we are interested in those old factory decals, we can give you a credit for those stickers.

Use a razor blade holder/scraper at a 20˚ to 30˚ angle to lift a corner or edge of the decal just enough to grip it with your fingers. Pull gently away from the surface. If you can pull at least a couple of square inches then repeat this process until done.

If the graphic is very old, it will break off as soon as you grip and pull. If this happens, dig the corner of the blade between the decal and the boat at a sharp angle without messing up the boat. Use a sliding motion with the corner of the blade to slice or unzip the vinyl away from the boat ¼” – ⅛” at a time.

Repeat until completely removed. Caution: The blade may snap at any time so wear hand and eye protection.

Older boat graphics will also need the adhesive removed from the surface. Dab a small area of the adhesive with an adhesive remover using a rag and scrape with a razor/scraper immediately. Repeat until the adhesive is removed. Clean the area with water or alcohol.

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Can I Clear-Coat my decals?

Yes, our decals can be clear-coated, they come laminated as default.

Ask a professional to clear coat decals, No instructions can be provided due to the number of variables involved during the process, type of paint, solvent, mix, and painting techniques. TRY IT AT YOUR OWN RISK If you are not a professional.

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