How-to on appling cowling graphics

[flubyu]

Just as it says,any good how-to's on appling new decals on the cowl? Also what is the best method of removing the old graphics? Let meknow....wanting to tackle this today but don't want to mess anything up!

[transomstand]

I usually heat the old ones with a hair dryer or heat gun, that will soften the glue, and allow you to peel them off. Clean the surface well with a mild solvent like mineral spirits, follow up with soap and water to get it sqeaky clean.

To apply, mix water and dish soap in a spray bottle, or use foamy glass cleaner. Wet down the cowl with it, peel and apply the decals. The soapy solution will allow you to move the decals around and squeegee out any air bubbles. Let dry, and your good to go.

[Hottrucks]

yea what he said on the application
I use a 3m wheel for removing graphics in goes in a drill 3500 rpm is the secret and it will peel them off perfectly leaving no glue behind and no scratches

[flubyu]

Thanks for the info guys, got them installed with no problems with some help from dear ol dad. I do have a question however-where the old graphics were, the black a darker....anything to do to correct this? I didn't really notice it at the time since the sun was going down but when the boat hit the water yesterday it was kinda noticeable....:-( Thoughts?

[transomstand]

It would have been a lot easier before the decals went on. I'd polish it with a compound that's not too aggresive, like 3M micro finishing with a machine, then a good cleaner/wax product. That may bring back the color. Depending on how much room you have to work, may have to do it by hand, put masking tape on the new decals to protect them, use high quality tape, cheap stuff is sometimes too sticky, and may pull off the new decals.