Register now to get rid of these ads!

How to Installing Water Tranfer Decals?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Jay Tyrrell, Nov 16, 2011.

  1. Jay Tyrrell
    Joined: Dec 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,631

    Jay Tyrrell
    Member

    Just what the ***le says. I am waiting on an original NHRA water tranfer decal that I want to replace the one that use to be fixed to the inside of the window of my 55. I am wondering if anyone has any tips? You only really get one chance at applying these things and I don't want to mess it up.
    Thanks
    J
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 16, 2011
  2. tfeverfred
    Joined: Nov 11, 2006
    Posts: 15,788

    tfeverfred
    Member Emeritus

    Uhh... soak it in warm water for a minute, slide into place, dab off excess water... let dry.

    Just like the ones with model cars.
     
  3. oldcarfart
    Joined: Apr 12, 2005
    Posts: 1,436

    oldcarfart
    Member

    I use warm water with just enough DAWN detergent to make bubbles if agitated, same solution as tinting windows. Squiggee with credit card.
     
  4. Jay Tyrrell
    Joined: Dec 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,631

    Jay Tyrrell
    Member

    What does the detergent do?
     
  5. mj40's
    Joined: Dec 11, 2008
    Posts: 3,303

    mj40's
    Member

    I had a friend pay big bucks for an original decal only to screw it up in the install. Now it looks like it has been there the 50+ years it has been around. :D The outcome looks even better than a new looking decal.
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2011
  6. Judd
    Joined: Feb 26, 2003
    Posts: 1,894

    Judd
    Member

    If this is an old decal make sure it isn't dried and cracked or it will fall to pieces when it soaks free from the paper. There are srays that will hold the decal together if it is. Try a local hobby shop for more info.
     
  7. Uh... is this a trick question???????
     
  8. tfeverfred
    Joined: Nov 11, 2006
    Posts: 15,788

    tfeverfred
    Member Emeritus

    I was gonna ask that, but I'm in a "kinder HAMB" mood.:D
     
  9. LongT
    Joined: May 11, 2005
    Posts: 980

    LongT
    Member

    Fred your avatar is mesmerizing!!

    Anyway, I don't think water transfer decals are as common as they once were. Do they still put them in model kits?

    Bill
     
  10. dana barlow
    Joined: May 30, 2006
    Posts: 5,430

    dana barlow
    Member
    from Miami Fla.

    It helps by giving you a little more time and slip to move the decals around and get it flat then just water;):D
     
  11. iammarvin
    Joined: Oct 7, 2009
    Posts: 1,196

    iammarvin
    BANNED
    from Tulare, Ca

    Detergent actually makes water "wetter". It alloughs water to get deeper between substances. Therefore allowing the decal to move easier, thus the transfer decal is less prone to tear.
     
  12. rusty rocket
    Joined: Oct 30, 2011
    Posts: 5,254

    rusty rocket
    Member

    go to your local hobby shop they should have products for decals. microsol, microset are some of the ones ive used when i built model cars. there also a product you can brush on older decals if there cracked.
     
  13. bonesy
    Joined: Aug 14, 2005
    Posts: 2,999

    bonesy
    Member

    I purchased a set of 4 old Coke water slides from the early 50's.

    After killing 2 (they literally fell apart in water) I wanted to scream.

    Number 3 I coated very heavy in rattle can clear while it was still on the paper. The clear worked. It transferred over very nicely, not perfect but cool.

    Good luck.

    Here is a ****py picture of the results:
    [​IMG]
     
  14. jcmarz
    Joined: Jan 10, 2010
    Posts: 4,631

    jcmarz
    Member
    from Chino, Ca

    It's not April Fools Day already is it?? What's next, how to use a rotary phone?!
     
  15. Dan in Pasadena
    Joined: Sep 11, 2009
    Posts: 867

    Dan in Pasadena
    Member

    Really? Really guys? "Installing" a decal is some kind of "black art" requiring expert consultants to decipher the cryptic subtleties? HILARIOUS.
     
  16. hot rod rod
    Joined: Dec 16, 2009
    Posts: 86

    hot rod rod
    Member

    I suggest.. trying Bud Lite...it bubbles. then they Pop. Then what left You can enjoy.
     
  17. BISHOP
    Joined: Jul 16, 2006
    Posts: 2,570

    BISHOP
    Member

    Urine. It will crack up and fade if you dont soak it in urine.

    What kind of urine, you ask.......... well, urine from a crack head ho should have the best results.

    No offence to any crack head ho.
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2011
  18. abe lugo
    Joined: Nov 8, 2002
    Posts: 3,338

    abe lugo
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    guys, you can spray a few layers of clear lacquer over the decal to save it. To test this out cut out a piece of the decal that will get cut out any how, first give it a light mist let flash a bit them come in with a couple of layers. let dry. try it out.

    We make custom decals at work and we spray them over with clear lacquer to make the easier to use.
     
  19. iammarvin
    Joined: Oct 7, 2009
    Posts: 1,196

    iammarvin
    BANNED
    from Tulare, Ca




    HAhahaha..............that is funny.
















    I know the traditional way.
    :eek:
     
  20. Dan in Pasadena
    Joined: Sep 11, 2009
    Posts: 867

    Dan in Pasadena
    Member


    Thank you, thank you, I'm here every night....literally!:p:D
     
  21. Jay Tyrrell
    Joined: Dec 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,631

    Jay Tyrrell
    Member

    Thanks for the advice to the guys that acutally took the time to chime in with some good advice. I will definately try the detergent and clearcoating technique.

    To the rest of the of you that chimed in with nothing but ******** (newbie, member, and old school Hamber) I thought that is was a legit enough question. Take some time and read why the HAMB is here. It is about us talking about traditional rods and customs and helping one another out when we are maybe stuck on something. I am not too proud to ask for ***istance if I don't understand something completely. Sorry really don't know much about water tranfer decals. Never was one for building models when I was younger and I didn't want to **** it up.
    Jay
     
  22. tommy
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 14,756

    tommy
    Member Emeritus

    Yeah I've been installing decals for over 50 years. I'm guessing the smart ***es have not tried to install an original decal since they were new. Repos are a piece of cake...originals can be a real challenge.

    The originals that I was trying to use had deteriorated to the point that the decal broke up into a thousand pieces. In the old days, I've been able to arrange the pieces like a jig saw puzzle. It would not work on my Wolf whistle original decals. I think they make repros but the originals just fall to pieces like a tempered gl*** side window. I have several original decals that I'll probably just use in the display case keeping them on the original paper.
     
  23. nobby
    Joined: Jan 8, 2006
    Posts: 1,358

    nobby
    Member

    the soap, stops the water from forming droplets, having 'dry' areas
    surface tension and all that = science
     
  24. striper
    Joined: Mar 22, 2005
    Posts: 4,498

    striper
    Member

    Probably just enough stories of guys destroying old decals and just enough advice on how to avoid doing that to make this a legitimate thread and to make the smart ***es look like smart ***es. Good question...good info. Thanks.
     
  25. sololobo
    Joined: Aug 23, 2006
    Posts: 8,424

    sololobo
    Member

    Atta Boy Kid, give em hell, we don't have time for negative b.s. here. Good questions and some good helping hints. Good luck with the applications. ~sololobo~
     
  26. Oldmanolds
    Joined: Jan 16, 2006
    Posts: 930

    Oldmanolds
    Member

    I've been looking for some small American Flag (maybe 1"X2") water transfer decals if anyone knows where to score some.
     
  27. I'm with Tommy here, the smart **** (Of which I normally are) replyers just have not done many of them. The older they are the harder to do, it is a black art.
    There is some good info here though.
    Microsol and Microset are great products unless the decal has deteriorated to the point you need to clear coat it, then don't use the Microsol and be very judicious with the Microset.
    (Microsol softens the decal, if it's deteriorated it helps it to fall apart)
    The clear coat info is all great stuff.
    Again if it has been clear coated don't use a credit card or anything to 'squeegee' it down, use a wet but well rung out sponge to 'dab' it down.
    Talk to 'Muttley' he may have a repo of the decal for sale, either way he has some great stuff check it out.

    Doc.
     
  28. Jay Tyrrell
    Joined: Dec 9, 2007
    Posts: 1,631

    Jay Tyrrell
    Member

    Thanks for all the tips guys. Much appreciated! Wasn't sure what would happen to this thread over the day while I was at work but it looks like we got some real possitive and helpful info that has been added. Thanks again for the ideas, guidance and PMs. This thread has really come along with some super helpful info. At $10.00 a pop for a water tranfer it is definatley something that I want and other people would want to make sure that the application goes smoothly.
    Jay
     
  29. Nooo!

    How to use a "Push ****on" phone! :rolleyes:
     
  30. nobby
    Joined: Jan 8, 2006
    Posts: 1,358

    nobby
    Member

    no one know a screen printed on here?
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.