How to Installing Water Tranfer Decals?

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

 

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.

 

I use warm water with just enough DAWN detergent to make bubbles if agitated, same solution as tinting windows. Squiggee with credit card.

 

What does the detergent do?

 

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. The outcome looks even better than a new looking decal.

 

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.

 

Uh... is this a trick question???????

 

I was gonna ask that, but I'm in a "kinder HAMB" mood.

 

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

 

It helps by giving you a little more time and slip to move the decals around and get it flat then just water

 

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.

 

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.

 

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:

 

It's not April Fools Day already is it?? What's next, how to use a rotary phone?!

 

Really? Really guys? "Installing" a decal is some kind of "black art" requiring expert consultants to decipher the cryptic subtleties? HILARIOUS.

 

I suggest.. trying Bud Lite...it bubbles. then they Pop. Then what left You can enjoy.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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
















I know the traditional way.

 

Thank you, thank you, I'm here every night....literally!

 

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

 

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.

 

the soap, stops the water from forming droplets, having 'dry' areas
surface tension and all that = science

 

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.

 

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~

 

I've been looking for some small American Flag (maybe 1"X2") water transfer decals if anyone knows where to score some.

 

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.

 

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

 

Nooo!

How to use a "Push ****on" phone!

 

no one know a screen printed on here?