HD Decals--Please help me

[alienboy]

I am doing a factory restore on a 94 dresser. It has 2 decals that go on each side of the tank. On is a long triangular shaped piece that goes on without any problems, but the second piece is a circle that under any conditions will lat flat without wrinkes. Is there something out there that will soften up the decals/stickers? Anybody have any experiance with this??

 

[rex]

I've watched the stripe and decal guys use a heatgun or hairdryer to warm up the decal so it's pliable but I haven't done it much.I've used it for woodgrain years ago but I screwed a few up too-thank god that stuff is almost gone!You can't get it too hot or it'll stretch out of shape real easy.I can't picture that decal but are you sure it's not too far foward on the crown of the tank?

 

[JAMMINJ]

soak the decal for a couple of minutes in warm soapy water(a couple drops of soap will do). Mist a little soapy water on the surface of the tank with a spray bottle. Apply the decal where you want it. The wet adhesive will act like a bit of a lube, allowing you to move the decal around a bit to get it centered. use a squeegee (working from the center out) to push the air bubbles out and smooth the surface of the decal. if the squeegee starts to feel like it is dragging, spray a little of the soapy water on the surface of the decal to allow you to push out the air pockets without moving or ripping the decal.

 

[Bornhard]

definately use the soapy water or special application fluid for vinyl. One thing I wanted to add was I use a sewing measuring tape and measure from fixed areas on the tank and then make a tick mark with chalk (one vertical, one horizontal). Line up and the soapy water or app fluid will let you level things off. Make sure you let it dry for hours and get some sun light if possible before top coating.

 

[alienboy]

Is there a solvent that softens up the decals to helop them lay better?

 

[Bornhard]

I wouldn't use a solvent around those decals.

Using the soapy water, or application fluid you can apply those decals rather easy. Get a soft rubber squeegee too!

There's should be no problems applying it, unless you're applying it on an extreme curve.

 

[rex]

I ran into my buddy tonight with a 92 ultra classic and i believe it's the same decal.His is located from the factory just barely wrapping into the front crown so I'm thinking you might be trying to lay it a touch too far foward,his positioning will need a touch of finnesse but nothing out of the norm.

 

[alienboy]

ok, I'll pull it back some.....hope it works

 

[Ripp]

Use your oven to soften th decals. Place the oven on 200 degrees let it cool to 150 then place the decale on a stone platter warm it for about 5 min...It should soften it up real nicly...

Ripp