applying decals

[skyway67]

any info on applying decals the best way without messing them up 

cheers guys

[Munnyella]

Wash your hands properly, then do it again.

clean the frame properly, then do it again.

offer up the decal in postion, with the backing still on, when happy put a mark a millimetre or so around the final position

wash your hands again, and dry them, properly, drink your tea, if you rush, you will c0ck up

have another cup of tea,

peel off the backing paper, after washing and drying your hands, holding decal by the edges as much as possible, locate between the previously applied marks. smooth out when happy with position with a duster, tucking the end of the duster up your cuff, so as not to get yellow fluff on the sticky stuff

Like most things in life, time and prep make for a better job! don't rush it, and clean your hands!!!

[skyway67]

i was afraid of getting finger prints on the sticky side

 i had the frame off a member on here and want to do it proud

many thanks for the info 

[kuwahero]

http://www.ajkbikes.com/downloads/techtips/AJK%20Bikes%20Sticker%20Installation%20Instructions.pdf

[hunterdubber]

Good advice from Munnyella there , it may sound like he's got  a cleanliness fixation , but he's so right 

Also a tip , which doesn't sound like it will work , but it does is use a fine spray like from a hand plant sprayer,with a water solution , with a tiny tiny  bit washing liquid in .
Finely spray the area and then apply the decal , after a trial mark up . you can actually slide it perfectly if you  need to adjust a mm or 2 either direction and you also have less chance of getting bubbles behind decal.. It does dry out perfectly , don't worry  

[Munnyella]

^^^^
True about the soapy water, good especially on clear backing decals,  doesn't always look good straight away, but will dry out clearly in a day or 2.

Tme and cleanliness, confidence and time, good light and space. wash your hands!!!!

[skyway67]

thanks for all the great tips guys 

the soapy water sounds scary but i'm sure its well proven ,i'll post some more pics up as the project progresses

here's the bike so far

[N13L VV]

mate you are right in what you say about being worriedabout fingerprintson the clear backing , To avoid this tear off a little of the nonstick  backing and use this to hold with your finger and thumb and you will avoid any unwanted finger or thumb prints .  I prefer to apply them dry but the wet way gives you a little more forgiveness if your nervous .   Just take your time and be careful not to crease , bubbles can be sorted but creases will mark the vinyl.     .    You'll be grand mate , 

[Bob_Acid]

I put a drop of washing up liquid in a cup of water and brush that on the frame with a paint brush and it gives you ample slip to move the sucker about 

[N13L VV]

Also get it perfectly lined up along the central rib of the downtube so its perfectly even on both sides , then smooth down the centre with a squeege or your thumb in a rag then you can slowly work each side down carefully side to side working the air out on the way down.
Heres a pic or two from when i was doing some of mine . 

[skyway67]

all decals finally stuck in place 

i used the dry method with bits of backing to help keep finger  prints off  in the end

 large down tube decal went on easier than i thought !

washed my hands so many times the liquid soaps run out 

thanks every one for your words of wisdom i really do appreciate it

i'll build the rest of the bike up tommorow and post some pics up

daz