Decals

[Samuel Phelps]

Getting ready to apply the decals to my tank .. Never applied any before . So are there any tricks of the trade that you guys that have done this can fill me in on before I make the attempt ?
I have put 4 light coats of clear on the tank and the decals today . Says I need t give it 24 hours cure time first ..

[eviltwin]

I’ve never put any on.

But I read this article once, it was a comphehensive documentary on the restoration of a Johnson. Excellent, in depth, step by step restoration with all facets of mechanical and cosmetic. I believe he mentions being a member here.

https://conductorjonz.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/beyond-the-seahorse-outboard-motor-restoration-step-by-stepday-five/

This was installment 5 which had the decals, you should also read the other steps as they are good reads. I know it makes a difference if they are laquer slides or just vinyl decals. But that is all I know. Good luck, post pics of your masterpiece when it is done.

[The Boat House]

Thais an awful big decal for a first timer.
Who did you get them from?
Vinyl or waterside?

[lindy46]

I use the spray bottle with water, alcohol and a drop or two of dishsoap. Spray area well and that will keep the vinyl decals from immediately sticking. Position the decal, then squeegee to remove the water from the underside. I use a sponge or just my thumb as a squeegee.

[Samuel Phelps]

This is a waterslide decal from American Outboard..
The potential problem I see, because it’s such a large/long decal , would be getting it centered up on the tank .
If you have to start on one end , position , then carefully slide the paper out from under the decal , I could see where
Not getting it centered could be a problem .
My thought is maybe dry fit it in to position .
Then place a piece of blue tape at the ends and top/bottom .
That gives me a starting point that I won’t need to eyeball or think about during actual installation .
Hopefully the decal doesn’t stretch much when wet . It does wrap around all 4 corners of the tank ..

[The Boat House]

• This reply was modified 3 years, 1 month ago by The Boat House.

[Samuel Phelps]

Thanks Tubs ! This was helpful !
I’m going to recruit my son to help get it placed …
Fingers crossed for a good installation !

[Samuel Phelps]

Got it on there . Was going good until a slight adjustment caused a small tear .. Uhgggggggg ! LOL!! Rookie mistake …
Was thinking on using a small artist brush and try to touch up a bit before the clear coat …

[The Boat House]

Hay pal, you done good. Decals that size
are a challenge for anybody. There is
some skill involve in putting these things
on and that comes with experience.

[bobw]

Tear is hardly noticeable – you did a great job on both the tank repair/paint and the decals. Looks factory new – very well done!!

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."

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