Doing Your Boat Name Yourself Can Be Easy
Weather you buy your boat name through a online sign shop or your local sign guy. It should be close to the same material.
You want to make sure who ever prints your graphics they are using the correct material that will sustain under harsh outside elements.
There is a difference!
A 3 year calendared, Averey vinyl will not last as long as an 8 year, 3M premium vinyl. They will both look the same when you first apply it, but after a few years you will see your graphics shrink up to a half inch or more. If when you are installing and you need to pop any persistent holes… Those pin point holes will open up. That is why it is important NOT to pop any bubbles for the first week.
Make sure you have all the tools you will need before you start the install.
You will need the following:
Acetone or Ammonia, Rapid Tac Installation Spray Liquid, and a Squeegee.
Application should not be attempted if temperature is below 55° Fahrenheit. Or hotter than 80 ° Fahrenheit. Also a windy day is not recommended.
The area must be cleaned using Acetone to remove all wax and dirt.
Your Boat Name Installation Instructions:
1. Once area has been cleaned use the Rapid Tac Spray (shake well before use) and generously spray the area where the lettering is to be applied. Do not wipe off this solution.
2. Place the lettering face down on a clean, flat surface. Peel away the protective wax paper backing. The lettering will remain adhered to the application tape with the sticky side of the lettering now exposed. Be very careful not to allow the lettering to flip over onto itself as this will cause your sign to be damaged. Generously spray the sticky side of the lettering with the Rapid Tac spray this will stop the lettering from sticking.
3. While the area is still wet, place the lettering in the desired location. The Rapid Tac spray will allow you to move the lettering around until you get it into place.
4. Starting from the center, using the squeegee provided, gently rub the lettering from the center out and in all directions. Continue to squeegee until all liquid and air is removed from underneath lettering.
5. Wait 1 minute and spray the Rapid Tac over the application tape and squeegee again. Allow lettering to dry completely (approx. 30 minutes).
6. Slowly peel off the translucent application tape starting from the upper corner and pull down at a angle. The vinyl lettering will stay adhered to the surface. Note: If the lettering is not sticking to surface, repeat the squeegee process and let dry longer.
If you don’t think that these boat name installation instructions are easy it is OK! I can help you with any part of these instructions. Please contact me if you have any questions or if you would like me to come out and install for you.
HINTS:
*Easy-Off oven cleaner removes old painted letters, followed by white vinegar to remove any yellowing.
*Heat gun and a rubber scraper removes old vinyl letters.
*Any leftover air bubbles may be remedied by exposure to the sun, and if not they can be popped with a pin