How to install vinyl decals

Bob Watkins · Oct 16, 2014

This message is a reply to an archived post by Basil Greenleaf on February 20, 2014 at 05:52:33.
The original subject was "Re: How to install vinyl decals".

I bought my decals from Kuhns Equipment Repair and Tractor Parts. I specifically bought Vinyl. There were no directions or anything else with the decal shipment!
I have posted many questions during the restoration of my 1947 John Deere B Tractor sn202247. I could not have gotten this far without help from this Forum. Thanks to everyone!
Now I need to know the Exact Placement of the decals and the way to Install them for Best results.
Please help me again? Thanks, Bob

Janicholson · Oct 16, 2014

JD folks might help with placement. The peel and stick are critical to get correct on first touch. Use blue masking tape to tape the decal and its backing in true position. Peel the backing off away from the tape and begin sticking as you proceed toward the tape. As soon as a solid connection is made. carefully remove the tape and remaining backing, keeping the decal smooth and flat. (It works for me) Jim

mkirsch · Oct 16, 2014

Yeah, this is the Farmall/IH forum... Maybe someone here knows where the exact decal placements are for a GREEN tractor, but they won't openly admit it here...

Try posting a NEW thread to the John Deere forum.

The "how" has probably already been covered, but you can actually float the peel-and-stick types into place if you spritz some water with a little dish detergent in it on the surface first.

Decals will "stick" well enough so you can position them, but they won't stick down permanently, and the adhesive will not be affected. After you get them in place gently squeegee the water out from underneath with a soft towel, then let dry overnight.

Avoid touching the adhesive with your bare fingers because it leaves fingerprints on the backside of your decals that become memorialized forever. At least don't touch the clear parts.

CNKS · Oct 16, 2014

I don't use water. I mark where the corners go and carefully lay it down.

mkirsch · Oct 17, 2014

No matter how carefully you lay it down you will end up with air bubbles and wrinkles in the larger decals if you don't do it for a living. The water/dish soap trick allows you to work out any air bubbles before you "commit."

Eddie V · Oct 17, 2014

While a nice fix up job I wouldn't call it a restoration with Mia match rear tires etc again it looks nice I wouldn't call it a restoration lets give people credit that tear down these machines and put thousands to tens of thousands in them

werksguy · Oct 17, 2014

I've run my own sign shop for the last 32 years... The most fool proof way to achieve perfect decal installation is to measure carefully (if you have good placement measurements available) and mark your corners with a grease pencil (also known as a china marker) or Stabilo perncil.. you can use tape but be sure that your decal doesn't overlap it. Maintaining an 1/8 inch offset is helpful in preventing this.
Use a vinyl squegee (you can get one from Ebay or try your friendly local sign shop) or a plastic putty spreader available from any local auto body supply or hardware store.
instead of just soapy water, i mix 1 part water / 1 part 70 or 90-% rubbing alcohol and just a wee drop of detergent.
The alcohol makes the liquid evaporate faster and helps with removing application tape if your decal has it.
liberally wet the surface of the sheetmetal with the soap/water/alcohol mixture, place the decal and squeegee the liquid out, starting in the center and working outward to the edges.
I recommend waiting 5 minutes or so before wiping over the decal to clean up after installation just to be sure that the edges are firmly adhered.

Bob Watkins · Oct 18, 2014

I have new tires that match, I just have not put them on yet. Thanks, Bob

Bob Watkins · Oct 18, 2014

Thanks everyone! You've been very helpful even though I mistakenly posted on an IH/Farmall site. Just to let you know I am not necessarily a John Deere man, I have owned an M Farmall, a 400 Farmall, a 1206 IH, a Case 930, and presently have a restored 2N Ford in my garage. I just love tractors!
I have decals on the B.
Thanks again! Bob

How to install vinyl decals

Bob Watkins

Member

Janicholson

Well-known Member

mkirsch

Well-known Member

CNKS

Well-known Member

mkirsch

Well-known Member

Eddie V

Member

werksguy

Member

Bob Watkins

Member

Bob Watkins

Member

Similar threads