So I think tomorrows stripe day

[PettyBlue340]

Do I wash car first so dirt doesn't get under tape?

Please walk me through first time 73 roadrunner stripe install

Thanks!

 

[ChgrSteve67]

You need to make sure the area is clean dry and cool.
I never install graphics in direct sunlight.
Also wipe the area down with rubbing alcohol and a lint free towel a few times to remove any grease or wax.

Also get some medical gloves, the oil from your hands and fingers can cause problems.

Are you going to install them wet or dry?

 

[Bruzilla]

Don't ever, ever, EVER, install those stripes dry!!! Use lots of water with a little dish soap mixed and keep that area soaking wet until you get that sttipe exactly where you want it. As long as the area is wet, you can lift a stripe section up time and time again if you need to.

 

[ChgrSteve67]

I have used soapy water and I have also used Windex and I prefer using Windex.

Soapy water takes a much longer time to begin evaporating and depending on the glue used for the stripes I have run into adhesion problems on stripe corners.

I usually lay down the graphics with both backings in place and use painters tape to mark out where the edges of the backing is going to lay. Pull the backing exposing the side that will lay on the car, spray the area liberally with Windex, lay down the graphic lining it up with the tape you down, You can usually get it all lined up with a few moves and start pushing out the excess Windex with a plastic ice scrapper, the stripes will begin sticking and will not be movable with in a few minutes. After working out the excess moisture for 15-20 minutes (some like to wait up to 1 hours before trying) you can begin pulling the top backing. Remember to pull the backing off laying it completely flat against the car (180 degree). DO NOT PULL IT AT A 90, 120 or 165 DEGREE ANGLE! You will lift the graphics or create air bubbles. After the graphic is exposed do not rub it with the plastic scrapper anymore, if you must put it in a microfiber towel and press lightly. As it continues to dry you can now put it in direct sunlight, any air bubbles should go away within a few hours up to a day or so, if you have any major air bubbles you can AS A LAST RESORT take a pin head and make a small hole to release the air. With the size of the RR stripes you should not have any issues working out any air bubbles.

Take pictures for us.

Here are the stripes I put on my Challenger

If your dealing with a long sheet it helps to have a second set of hands to hold up the stripes as you set them down.

Take your time and have fun.

 

[68 Sport Satellite]

would simple green work as well? I tend to steer clear of Windex for metal and plastics since it contains ammonia, but if it worked for you and after time did not show any signs of issues due to metal contact, then it may be fine.

 

[MRHWS]

Use a mix of water and Dawn dish detergent, about 2 spoons full. The original blue stuff. Best to use a spray bottle for the mixture. Saturate surface and both sides of stripe and keep stripe dripping the entire time. You will also need a squeegie to work the air bubbles out. Work from center to edge. Like said before, clean the surface with alcohol or bug/tar remover. Use painters tape to line up stripe on body. Not a hard job, but if stripe is long, best to have a helper, especially when removing bottom cover from stripe.

 

[ChgrSteve67]

I did the graphics on this car using Windex and removed them after 5 years and had no issues with the paint surface.

I'm not sure about using simple green since its more of a detergent cleaner.

If either are a concern then just use soap and water. Just be patient and wait a few hours before trying to remove the top backing if your going to soak it.

 

[Ron 73]

Don't ever, ever, EVER, install those stripes dry!!! Use lots of water with a little dish soap mixed and keep that area soaking wet until you get that sttipe exactly where you want it. As long as the area is wet, you can lift a stripe section up time and time again if you need to.

X-2...

 

[tpodwdog]

everyone here just about covered it...just TAKE YOUR TIME...theres no hurry.

theres a papery backing on the decals.. keep water about a foot away when you peel it back...peel a little...squeegee it....and move on. if you wet the paper that isnt applied yet,,,,its hard to get off. kinda hard to explain but youll see what i mean when you start applying. good luck and i cant wait to see! WOOOOOOOOOO

 

[Bruzilla]

Chemicals like Windex do evaporate faster, but when you're doing this for the first time, speed is not always a good thing. Water/soap give you a little extra time to step back, take a good look at how things are lining up, and say "crap! That section is just a hair off" and still be able to nudge it a bit.

 

[moparmarks]

Good advise. I've done alot of decals and have used dish soap, Windex and the jel that you can get from the decal people. The jel is the best and all I'll use when doing 71 Cuda billboards. I recommend the jel or dish soap w/ water if this is your 1st time.
As stated above.
Clean and prep the area first.
Using blue painters tape, test fit the decal first. See how it going to line up.
Don't scimp with the lube. The wetter the better. LOL.
Let it dry over night before removing paper.

 

[moparmarks]

Also you might want to do the roof section first and let it dry then do the sides. Just a thought.

 

[Histoy]

Do I wash car first so dirt doesn't get under tape?

We just had a large decal put on the hood of our new Challenger. The shop that did it also used a clay bar to make sure the hood was smooth and free of any dirt particles.

 

[Bruzilla]

So... how did it go?

 

[Ron 73]

Good advise. I've done alot of decals and have used dish soap, Windex and the jel that you can get from the decal people. The jel is the best and all I'll use when doing 71 Cuda billboards. I recommend the jel or dish soap w/ water if this is your 1st time.
As stated above.
Clean and prep the area first.
Using blue painters tape, test fit the decal first. See how it going to line up.
Don't scimp with the lube. The wetter the better. LOL.
Let it dry over night before removing paper.

SWEET! wow... great colors, pop out get ya colors.. :love2:

 

[Bruzilla]

So Petty, did you get the stripes on?

 

[Ron 73]

Hope it went smooth!