Decals...Finally Ordered Them...Installation Help

[Fred]

holy cow Dr Pain.....i'm going to a sign shop after reading your post!!!

It is not that bad...If I can do it you can...

 

[mouldman1]

looks amazing fred! I just may give it a shot! Did u put anything on the decals to protect them?

 

[Dr_Pain]

What do you think of 303 Aerospace Protectant for the Raptor vinyl graphics?

I've played with 303 before and like some of the product but never used it on my detailing of matte vinyl decals. Being that I only recently got my 2013 Raptor I haven't experimented much. I've used the Zaino product line on my truck exclusively and it did fairly well on the decal, but my go to trim and vinyl protected is the Ultima Tire and Trim. Leave a nice rich satin look to the decal, which makes it jump right off the paint.

Second option is Meguiar Trim Detailer. I also saw a guy use a paint sealant topped with Adam's VRT. Looked pretty good if you ask me.

The reason why UTT is my go to is that it does the job and it LASTS!!!! and you can apply it to any and all trim, molding etc.. I may detail my truck if it stops raining (deep South) and I will try and post some pictures

 

[Fred]

looks amazing fred! I just may give it a shot! Did u put anything on the decals to protect them?

No I just wash it with the rest of the truck...I do not put wax or polish on the vinyl, but I do use a spray detailer like a speed shine,...


Just keep a soapy solution when you install so you can move it around if you need to...

 

[Dr_Pain]

holy cow Dr Pain.....i'm going to a sign shop after reading your post!!!

Actually sounds more complicated than it is. I wanted to give you a step by step just in case you decided to tackle it yourself. Sorry if I scared you

Here is the condensed version: Clean - Apply - Seal
1) Prep: If you apply your decal on a sub-par surface you will end up with long term durability issue. Either you prep, or the vinyl shop does.... and I trust my skills more than I do theirs.
2) Decal Application: A five year old with a ruler with solid reference points can get it done. Again, I trust my **** retentiveness over any underpaid sign guy. Might take you longer but the end result will be better because you have a vested interest in the final product.
3) ProtectionIn BOTH cases you will need to apply an LSP to protect you investment and the vinyl shop won't detail your truck.....and NOBODY details my truck except me!!. I've spent hours undoing the factory/dealership swirls, scratches, rotary induced hologram from the paint. I definitely don't want some uneducated twit to undo my work. (yes my truck is a garage queen, same as my '68 Mustang Fastback GT)

Prep is key to avoid failure, a solid organize plan will reduce your uncertainty of tackling a job you've never done before.... and finally PROTECT your investment.

 

[willis68]

I just had a built Ford tough hood graphic and a Ford racing windsheild banner custom made, no way in hell am I going to instal this, use this link

UASG

I got a Certified 3M installer that will charge me $100.00 to install mine, well worth the money for a perfect worry free installation in my opinion

 

[Dr_Pain]

No I just wash it with the rest of the truck...I do not put wax or polish on the vinyl, but I do use a spray detailer like a speed shine,...


Just keep a soapy solution when you install so you can move it around if you need to...

Coming from a detailer point of view, I will tend to advocate putting some form of protection and don't mind sharing that I actually top my polish with a product which contains UV protection. Last time I detailed my truck I used a combination of 2 paint sealant and the paint got a Gloss enhancer whereas the graphics were hit with the trim and tire protection which contains "Ultra-Gard UV protection". Last time I spoke with Sal Zaino he mentioned that it was a UV40 protection but none of their literature confirms it. In any case, I do it because I want to protect against fading/chalking etc..

 

[mouldman1]

I just had a built Ford tough hood graphic and a Ford racing windsheild banner custom made, no way in hell am I going to instal this, use this link

UASG

I got a Certified 3M installer that will charge me $100.00 to install mine, well worth the money for a perfect worry free installation in my opinion

good tip!

 

[Fred]

Coming from a detailer point of view, I will tend to advocate putting some form of protection and don't mind sharing that I actually top my polish with a product which contains UV protection. Last time I detailed my truck I used a combination of 2 paint sealant and the paint got a Gloss enhancer whereas the graphics were hit with the trim and tire protection which contains "Ultra-Gard UV protection". Last time I spoke with Sal Zaino he mentioned that it was a UV40 protection but none of their literature confirms it. In any case, I do it because I want to protect against fading/chalking etc..

Doc...

What paint sealant do you use...what "gloss enhancer" do you use.?

I have used some of the Zanio detailer , wax products...the blue bottle stuff from Advance Auto...

 

[nowthen]

I have to admit... I did my own hood decal install but messed it up completely the first time

However learned some valuable lessons and on the second try (after waiting for new decal to arrive) got it spot on and am very happy with the result.

Key is have somebody to help, and patience! Hair dryer helped a lot to get out bubbles and small creases.