How to Lay Decals

[obrien008]

I was wondering if anyone has any good advice or tips on how to decal a boat.

Is there a good method to get them centered? What type of paint can you use to clear coat over the decals?

[Chilli]

For vinyl decals, put a bit of dish washing liquid (like dawn) in a spray bottle and fill it up with water. Spray it on the back of the decal and on the surface of the boat. Now you can apply the decal on and align it. When you have it the way you want it, gently squeegee out the excess water from behind the decal working out any bubbles. Then just let if dry for a few hours and your all set. If you have a few tiny bubbles left over, don't seat it. They wil eventually evaporate out.

[dana]

For vinyl decals, put a bit of dish washing liquid (like dawn) in a spray bottle and fill it up with water. Spray it on the back of the decal and on the surface of the boat. Now you can apply the decal on and align it. When you have it the way you want it, gently squeegee out the excess water from behind the decal working out any bubbles. Then just let if dry for a few hours and your all set. If you have a few tiny bubbles left over, don't seat it. They wil eventually evaporate out.

Totally agree here.

[monojeff]

Depends on the type of decal as some have an air release which isn't meant to be used with water. There are the kind that I typically make when printed. Also some manufacturers do not recommend using soap and water. If you can do it dry that is the best method.

Use tape and put a piece at both corners to hold it in place.
Maneuver it where you want it to be then put a piece of tape over the center to hold it from moving. Then peel back one side and cut the backing paper and apply then do same for other side after you remove the center tape.

You def do not want to use water for a digital wrap as they are repositionable assuming they are printed on the proper matterial.

Would need more info on what exactly your installing and on what substrate to give more helpful tips.

[monojeff]

As for clearing over them most any clear coat should be fine.

[obrien008]

I am looking to put decals on a gel coat finish of a fiber glass hull.