PO-15 Decals

[Buccaneer]

I inquired about American Outboard’s PO-15 water slide decals
(Their reply below)
and their reply has me a little / lot worried about how I’d
get that big decal slid off the backing paper, in place, and
without destroying it. 😮
I’ve never attempted such a large water slide decal.
It covers the whole back of the tank plus wraps around
the ends.
I don’t see any vinyl ones for sale anyway.
Anyone have tips on apply such a large decal?
(example of decal in photo, outboard not mine)
Thanks!

" PO-15 Johnson decal. The hardest thing about applying this decal is the length of it. Holding the tank, holding and sliding off the decal, getting it straight, and smoothing out the bubbles and wrinkles is a handful.
The decals are made by the printer laying a layer of clear paint out, then applying the colors, then applying another clear. So they are fragile because they are just layers of paint. Consequently when they are applied properly and let dry they are like painted on. We recommend clear coating to preserve all the hard work involved in restoring a motor. "

Prepare to be boarded!

[garry-in-michigan]

It sounds like it takes three people to do the job properly. . . 🙄

[jerry-ahrens]

I’ve put a few water slide decals on the PO15. If the decals are thin, they can be easily ruined. I bought mine years ago, out of the back of the Outboarder, can’t remember who it was that sold them. I would get in touch with Dixie, the gal that sells decals at Tomahawk. I think hers are vinyl, [like a bumper sticker] but can be equally challenging to apply due to wrinkles. If you try to go the water slide route, keep a bottle of Windex handy, as it works great to lubricate the surface of the tank. A drop of dawn dish soap in some warm water also works well. if you’ve never done a large water slide decal, get some advice here and unplug the phone when your’e ready to start. You will not want to be interrupted!

[george-emmanuel]

Jerry is right on the details! Another suggestion is,—the tank has to be perfect with vinyl decals, and by that I mean "symmetric". If it has any warpage or dents, the decal will distort. In some cases you’d have to make a slice with a razorblade.

The good part is once a decal has been installed, the motor will look super sharp! Jerrie Nelson in WI also has the decals.

George

[Buccaneer]

Thanks for all the advice!
I did not see PO decals listed in Dixie’s information,
but will email her to confirm.
Does Jerrie Nelson have a web site or email?
The gas tank was better than most outboards I have,
and if it weren’t for the big decal, I wouldn’t have
worried about the few little dents…… but considering
the decal, I started application of Bondo yesterday 🙁
I hate body work….. much rather have my hands in the
grease!

Prepare to be boarded!

[dockbuster1]

Jerry’s phone is no longer in service . Does anyone have the new phone no, is he still selling ?

[Anonymous]

I have successfully used the water slide decals from American outboards.
Follow their instruction, I coated the decals first with 2-3 coats of Duplicolor clear in the spray can, let it dry, then trim off the paper backing up close to the actual decal.

Large decals require the use the kitchen sink filled with warm water.
Use the backing and slide it gently from the backing to the tank.
Initially it is fairly easy to tweak the decal into position…carefully.
I have done the PO decal as well as the larger Speeditwin and even larger Speedifour.

Waterslide decals look so much better than the bumper stickers.

Good luck.

[Buccaneer]

MrJackson, after you soak your large decal in the sink
(I’ve used a cake pan for some, but nothing as big as the PO)
are you holding the decal (with backing) in place over the tank,
then sliding the backing paper "out from under" the decal?
BTW, Dixie does not offer the vinyl decal for the Johnson PO’s.
Thanks!

Prepare to be boarded!

[seaflash]

Was VERY careful with the water slide lacquer decal. Maybe too old or whatever (numerous small cracks in the decal), but tried to float the decal from a large tub to the tank. Decal literally started falling apart. Make sure you request fresh lacquer decal (if there is such a thing). Good luck with that request.

Went with vinyl and VERY difficult to tell from lacquer unless you run a finger nail over the edge. Several layers of clear produced an almost edge free surface. Very satisfied. Patience is the key.

[Buccaneer]

SeaFlash, beautiful motor you have there!
Great idea with floating the decal onto the tank in the large tub of water.
Curious as to if the problem with your water slide decal could have been
related to the clear coat application before it was soaked in the tub to
release the backing? I’ve had some water slide decals for a Chris Craft
that didn’t want to release their backing and finally "fell apart". Those
may have been age related, but still wonder if the clear coat had anything
to do with it.

I take it that you did "not" float the vinyl decals in the tub of water, correct?
Whats the process to get such a large vinyl decal positioned correctly?

Where did you purchase the vinyl decals for your PO?
I have not found any online yet.

Is that exhaust cut-out on the back of the muffler an option?
Mine just has a steel plate.
Many thanks!

Prepare to be boarded!

[Author]

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