Decal Installation Instructions

Some pointers before you being:

  1. Installation temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees. Lower or higher temperatures require special handling and more still.

  2. Whenever possible avoid installation in direct sunlight which can cause extreme surface temperatures.

  3. When applying decals over air-curing paints allow at least 24 hours for paint to harden, and then test the surface with masking tape to see if removal leaves marks in the paint surface.  When applying decals over chemically curing paints such as urethanes, allow sufficient time for all off-gasing of solvents.  This can be up to 14 days. Applying decals over freshly painted urethanes may trap gases beneath the decal film and lead to failure later as the gases are heated and expand.

  4. Always apply decals to clean surface.  When applying over surfaces which have not been painted for some time, clean the surfaces to remove oil, dirt, oxidation and other contaminants.

  5. It is almost never necessary to use any form of application fluid.  No soapy water. No Windex, or other liquids.  A dry application is always best.  NEVER use an application fluid when the machine will be moved - within 24 hours - to an environment where the temperature may drop below 33 degrees.  Trapped fluids may freeze and delaminate the decal when there has not been sufficient time for the fluid to evaporate completely. 

  6. Don't apply decals using the "peel & stick" method.  This may work for small decals in areas where proper alignment isn't critical, however it is never an effective way of properly aligning stripes or large decals which sit on stripes or which will be installed on panels with straight body lines. We recommend the hinge method described in the article below.

  7. Check for dew or front when installing outside.  Check for condensation on tanks containing liquids and on heavy cast parts such as counterweights.  High humidity and rising temperatures can create condensation within a short period of time.

Things you'll Need:

  1. Tape Measure
  2. Masking tape
  3. Squeege (we supply squeezes w/ all orders)
  4. Scissors
  5. Exacto knife or pin
  6. Razor blade
  7. Heat gun or Hair Dryer

Getting Started:

  1. Unpack & unroll all decals and allow them to flatten. It is sometimes necessary to place a flat, heavy object over the decals to help with the flattening.

  2. Determine the proper location of each decal.  Some decals will sit on top of stripes which must be installed first.  Sometimes multiple colors of stripe must be applied in individual layers.  Make certain that you have determined LEFT and RIGHT side decals where applicable.

  3. Stripes are generally produced either in long lengths which must be installed over multiple panels and cut at body breaks or stripes are cut to fit individual panels but with some excess which should be trimmed after folding stripes around door edges, etc. Check ALL stripe locations and determine where you will install each stripe. Don't misuse and run short.

  4. If you are uncertain about decal positions or layouts, we suggest that you refer to photos or a website such as machinery trader which has numerous photos.  Sometimes the service manuals of the equipment will show locations as well.

Additional / General Information:

  1. Ready-to-apply decals consist of 3 layers.  The top layer is the transfer film, the middle layer is the actual adhesive-backed vinyl film, and the bottom layer is the release liner which protects the adhesive side until installation.

  2. Many decals are comprised of several colors and components.  So, you may find more than one layer of transfer tape on certain decals.  These layers allow us to construct the finished decal

  3. For stripes which are less than 2" in width, we recommend that guide marks be placed on the surface at the edge of the transfer tape. This will allow for accurate lay-down with out the stripe creeping up or down.

  4. Use a pin or sharp knife to pierce large bubbles after decal is installed.  Pierce at center and work air out carefully.  Small bubbles will outgas over time.

  5. You may use heat gun to work out any wrinkles.