Decal and Stripe Replacement: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Important: Stripes and decals adhere to a painted surface using pressure sensitive adhesive. The use of a wetting solution aids the technician in lifting and positioning the stripe or decal during installation.

A wetting solution also ensures a better bond between stripe or decal and panel. Stripe or decal replacement involving collision damage, or damage to underlying painted surface, requires that metal repair and/or refinish operations be completed before the stripe or decal is installed. Freshly painted surfaces must be allowed to dry thoroughly before installing stripe or decal. Residual solvents in fresh painted surfaces can lead to subsequent blistering problems if stripe or decal is applied before complete release of solvents.

The striping material highlights vehicle surface imperfection. All dings, rough metal, paint defects and uneven 2-tone paint breaklines must be eliminated before stripe/decal application can take place.

Maintain body surfaces and decals between 21-38°C (70-100°F) during installation.
Never apply decals when the body surface and decal temperatures are below 21°C (70°F).
You may apply stripes and decals dry. If this does not result in a consistent bubble free application, use the wet method, as in the case of large graphics packages.
Use the wet method when you apply stripes or decals on flexible surfaces, such as fascias.
This will reduce the formation of bubbles under the decal due to the outgassing potential of the flexible materials.