Hey guys, brand spankin new to the group. Has anyone put a full body decal on their car themselves??? Im going to attempt it and I know its not rocket science, but does anyone have some good tips to make it easier for me?

Thanks
Marissa

 

I highly doubt that anyone on HT has. You'll want to ask this in the appearance/cosmetic forum when you are able to; lastly welcome to HT where the 1st rule of thumb is SEARCH.

 

you better put your flame suit on if you're gonna ask that question around here. full body graphics haven't been in since 1999. but to answer your question....

use tons of soapy water and a plastic squeegy. bubbles suck. do it in a garage do the sun doesnt dry the soapy water too fast. also, don't forget to wax before. that way the vinyl will come off easily after you realize what a dumbass you are for covering your car in a a giant sticker.

 

Ok ok, I can take the heat ::body suit on:: Its not a HUGE full sticker like the Fast and Furious BS. but its more like several smaller ones that go along the body of the car. Thanks for the advice though...

 

dun da da daaaaa Hater-Tech to the rescue

A long time ago I used to do this alot for race cars ect, although one car I did won the best graphics class at a HIN one year. anyway I perfer to work during the evening when it's cooler and in a garage where wind and dirt is less. Make sure the car is spotlessly clean and spray the area your working with water or some people use windex. Peel the vinyl off slowly and liberally spray water ect onto the back so it's not tacky. Place vinyl on the car from on end, once it's straight peel it back and spray more water. Then take the edge of a credit card ect (used the side with the numbers as it rounded and will not streak the vinyl) and slowly lay the vinyl down while you squegee the air bulbles all the way out. Let it dry as long as possible, all night will be good and start on the other side.

 

Good advice sans. I've helped apply decals before, and the only thing we did that was any different than that, was to semi bake them on with a hair dryer after they were applied.

EDIT: Would you need to remove the wax from the area you are going to apply it to, or you can you add it to a good coat of wax?

 

unless it's going to be permanent I would recommend you keep it waxed but don't put a fresh coat down if it has been done in the last 2 weeks. I don't perfer to use a hair dryer since it acclerates the vinyl breaking down. Typically for good material it's only going to look decent for about a year or so in so cal heat

 

Thanks a lot for the information. We were doing temporary stickers for a show, so I guess it didn't matter that it helps it break down.