Surface Prep for new Decal

[RKassl]

Just wanted to ask anyone who has successfully replaced a decal on the Montana, what did you do to prep the area where you placed the decal. I would guess some how you need to remove any wax, am I right, what did you do? Also any other suggestions will be appreciated. I am going to try my hand with some of the small clouds that I removed last year because they just feel apart.

Thanks

[bullroc3]

We replaced decals on our 2005 2955RL about a year before we traded it. After we removed the problem graphics, we took it to a graphic/paint shop to have them professionally installed as we were fortunate to find a complete set of graphics. They were no longer being produced and we did not want to mess them up. Except for wiping down the area, no special treatment was done. Now, when we removed the graphics, there were "white ghosts" where the old ones were. They buffed a small area where they were but finally quit. That would have cost us a fortune to have the entire coach buffed. They just applied them over the area as best they could. They looked pretty good. Problem is the new ones were produced at the same time as the old ones were and by the same supplier so I would guess they will be also failing shortly.

[8.1al]

After removing the adhesive with lacquer thinner I washed with soap and water and then wiped the decal area with alcohol.

[RKassl]

Thanks for all the great info!

[okierver]

just did my decals on our 2011 monty before we traded, keystone sent me graphics, i used a heat gun to remove the graphic and then 3m adhesive remover, recommended by our dealer, then soap and water, let dry and instlled graphic. yes the old outline was good to use to install the new graphic. came out pretty good.

[JandC]

If all the glue is off, wipe down with alcohol. I put my new ones on using the wet method. Just a couple drops of dawn dish soap in a spray bottle. It makes it a lot easier because you can position the graphics where you want them and get all the bubbles out right away.

[01RAMer]

Dumb question: Wouldn't soap and water interfere with the adhesive on the decal? I'm thinking the decals wouldn't stick as well. I'm about to put on a new decal and want it to last this time.

[JandC]

It has been my experience that both the dry and wet application method stick/last the same. When you wet the surface it keeps the glue on the decal from sticking immediately. As you squeegee the air bubbles out you are actually removing all the water and the decal then begins to stick. When you use this method just make sure no one touches it after you squeegee it on for about an hour. You will get all the air bubbles out using this method plus the bigger decals are easy to apply. A word of caution: only put a couple of drops of dish soap in your FULL water bottle.

[01RAMer]

Thanks JandC! Appreciate your help.

[psomers]

quote:Originally posted by 01RAMer

Dumb question: Wouldn't soap and water interfere with the adhesive on the decal? I'm thinking the decals wouldn't stick as well. I'm about to put on a new decal and want it to last this time.

I have never done the decals and wouldn't try. I did have a S-10 blazer windows tinted by a professional several years ago and noticed he used a lot of soapy water. The rear window has a compound curve and it came out perfect.