Decals mounting - help!

[eurodude]

I hate decals trying to put new decals on my Seven, they are the “dry apply” type? I can’t get some of the letters to let go of the backing paper. Any tips and tricks?

[Peter P.]

Pour some boiling water onto a rag. Squeeze out some of the water and place the rag against either side of the decal, whichever is sturdier. Wait a minute or two.The moist heat should loosen the adhesive. Practice on a scrap piece if you have any, or on a food jar or can.

That's how I remove graffiti stickers stuck where they don't belong.

[kppolich]

Use some painters tape as a guide so you put them in the right place.

[old fat man]

Use a thick/old credit card or stiff squeegee (sp?) to press the decal onto the tube before attempting to peal back the contact sheet/backing. If the decals are old, they may be dry and cracked and are even harder to apply.

It definitely takes patience and a steady hand to get the individual letter seven decals applied cleanly. Not uncommon to tear a set or two before getting it right - not great when you consider how much they charge for replacement decals.

[nicrump]

If it's an SSSink dry app, once in place, use a soft rag and rub vigorously to create heat. This is what is often neglected. After a minute or two of rubbing use the edge of a plastic applicator(cc works) to burnish. If they are still not releasing, repeat steps. It'll eventually let go. Mounted many hundreds of these things.

[Paid In Full]

Are the decals reasonably new? If so, and if not too late, clean the tubing with acetone, let it dry, then apply the decal immediately after. Credit cards, squeegees all work, but in my experience, nothing works better than your thumbnail.

If the decal is old, it might be time to trash it, they don't last all that long.

[GParkes]

Hair dryer will activate the adhesive.

[avalonracing]

Decals can vary in terms of the application. Follow whatever instructions came with them. The Seven decals that I applied didn't seem like they were going to take but I followed the instructions and they started to stick. It came out great and they have lasted for years.

[eurodude]

Thanks for all the advices. I tried it all - no luck the decals is around 3 years old - I tried to write to SSSink and Seven but no response yet about how long these type of decals can last in storage?