Stripe or Decal Installation - Wet Method
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Regal and 2002 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Prepare the surface.
Important: Remove any imperfections that would appear through the stripe or decal if the area has been refinished.
- Clean the painted surface using the following types of removers:
- Silicone
- Wax
- Grease
- Clean the area where the stripe or decal will be applied using a 50-50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water.
- Wipe the panel surface using a clean cloth while the solvent is still wet. Allow the panel surface to dry.
- Apply the wetting solution to the area where you are installing the stripe or decal.
Application of a soapy wetting solution on the top side of the stripe or decal will ease the pull of the squeegee on the stripe or decal and help to eliminate damage.
Important: Do not touch the adhesive backing of the stripes.
- Apply the wetting solution on the adhesive side of the stripe or decal.
Remove the backing material of the stripe or the decal as needed.
- Apply the strip or decal to the panel. The wetting solution will allow movement for proper positioning on the panel surface.
- Working from the center where possible, squeegee the stripe or decal into position. Apply additional wetting solution as needed in order to ease installation.
- Apply heat to the stripe or decal at the recessed areas. Press the stripe or decal into the recess in order to obtain a firm bond.
- Use adequate light reflection in order to inspect the stripe or decal from a critical angle. This technique detects any irregularities that may have developed during the installation.
Important: Do not use a razor blade or a knife edge in order to pierce the air bubbles.
- Remove all air bubbles by piercing the bubble with one of the following items:
- A safety pin
- A needle
- A tool with a pin size piercing tip
- Pierce the bubble on the outer edge. Force the air out from the opposite edge using the blade of the squeegee.
- Install any previously removed components. Clean the components as needed.