Bubbles in the vinyl decals
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Stafford Va
Bubbles in the vinyl decals
ok so I just put these nice arrow black decals from Vettestrips on the hood and waa laa, oh yeaaa, they look like they have chicken pox. Yes, I did follow the directions and was careful to use a plastic blade. The first set which was red I put on didn't have as many bubbles.
I read somewhere where it was mentioned the sun would eventually bake them out....
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I read somewhere where it was mentioned the sun would eventually bake them out....
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
Normally, the small air bubbles will disappear. Large air pockets can be removed by making a tiny incision using an X-acto knife or scalpel. This allows the air to escape.
Did you use water with a little dishwasher soap when you applied them? It is the method I like to use when applying decals. Keeps the air out while and allows you to slide them around easier for proper placement.
Did you use water with a little dishwasher soap when you applied them? It is the method I like to use when applying decals. Keeps the air out while and allows you to slide them around easier for proper placement.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 4
From: Bedford MA
Like cybermind said, using soapy water when installing works pretty well. Also doing it in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight is best!
As for the bubbles: Using a pin/needle to poke a TINY hole in the middle of the bubble and using the plastic card to push the air out works!
As for the bubbles: Using a pin/needle to poke a TINY hole in the middle of the bubble and using the plastic card to push the air out works!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
had the same problem when I did mine...even the pin trick left a defect in the vinyl
...left the stripes on, but I'll never do this mod again.
...left the stripes on, but I'll never do this mod again.
