The Ultimate Guide To Applying Ky Stickers On Boats

Applying stickers or decals to a boat is a great way to add a personal touch. There are two methods to apply boat decals: the dry method and the wet method. The dry method is generally considered more straightforward and can result in a flawless application every time. The wet method, on the other hand, is slightly more complicated but can also yield perfect results. Before applying any decals, it is important to ensure that the surface of the boat is clean and free of any wax, grease, or oil. Additionally, the temperature of the surface and the air should be above 50°F (10°C) for the dry method and above 65°F (18.3°C) for the wet method.

Choosing the right vinyl

Type of Vinyl

There are different types of vinyl available, such as standard vinyl, domed lettering, and high tack adhesive. Domed lettering has a raised, coated surface, while high tack adhesive is suitable for specific surfaces like non-textured inflatables and certain power sports equipment.

Surface Compatibility

It is essential to choose vinyl compatible with the surface of your boat. For boats, the recommended surface is a factory gel coat. Other acceptable surfaces include metals, vehicles, fiberglass, and wood, but they must be painted with a smooth, glossy enamel. Vinyl will not adhere properly to oxidized, faded, or peeling paint.

Temperature Considerations

Temperature plays a vital role in the installation of vinyl stickers. Avoid installing vinyl when the outside temperature is below 50°F (10°C), as it can affect the adhesion. Similarly, if the surface is too hot to touch, it is not suitable for vinyl application.

Installation Method

Vinyl installation methods can be dry or wet. The dry method is recommended for domed lettering and high tack adhesive to prevent issues with fluid removal. The wet method involves using water and dish soap or application fluid, but it is not suitable for chrome mirror, aluminum sheet, or gold leaf replica vinyl.

Customization Options

When choosing vinyl for your boat stickers, consider the customization options available. You can select the font, color, and size of the vinyl lettering to match your boat's style and your personal preferences.

In summary, selecting the right vinyl for your boat stickers involves considering the type of vinyl, surface compatibility, temperature requirements, installation method, and customization options. Following these guidelines will help ensure a successful and long-lasting application.

Surface preparation

Before you begin, ensure you are working in a clean environment, out of the wind. Give the boat a good clean with methylated spirits and make sure there is no polish residue remaining. Choose a calm, windless day with air temperatures above 65°F (18.3°C) to apply the decal. The surface and air temperature should be no colder than 50°F (10°C). Do not apply your graphics to a hot surface or a dark hull in direct sunlight.

Start your project by washing the application surface with soap and water to remove any salt or scum. Rinse the surface liberally with water and dry it with a clean towel to avoid water spots. Next, spray a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution across the entire area and wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel to remove any residual wax, grease, or oil from the application surface.

Acceptable Surfaces

• Boats (with factory gel coat)
• Metals (must be painted with a smooth, glossy enamel)
• Vehicles (must be painted with a smooth, glossy enamel)
• Fiberglass (must be painted with a smooth, glossy enamel)
• Wood (must be painted with a smooth, glossy enamel)
• Other painted surfaces (paint must be smooth and glossy; vinyl will not stick to oxidized, faded, or peeling paint)
• Inflatables (non-textured) acceptable if high-tack adhesive is selected
• Primer-painted surfaces
• Rough gel coat (on boats)
• Low-energy plastics (such as those found on some kayaks, waverunners, canoes, and other power sports equipment) acceptable if high-tack adhesive is selected
• Textured, non-smooth surfaces, such as the paneling found on houseboats
• Newly painted surfaces (vinyl can be applied after at least 30 days to allow the paint to outgas properly and fully cure)

Positioning the decal

Firstly, ensure you are working in a clean environment, out of the wind. It is important to choose a calm, windless day with air temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18.3 degrees Celsius) for optimal decal application. If your decal or registration numbers are large and curled, lay them flat on a dry, smooth, and clean surface to flatten them out. Give your boat a thorough clean with methylated spirits, ensuring there is no polish residue remaining.

Now, you are ready to position your decal. Before removing the backing paper, use masking tape to tape the graphic in place on your boat. Stand back and assess if you are happy with the positioning. If the graphic is large, consider using the hinge method. Remember to skip the soapy water. Ensure you measure and place the boat stickers based on the graphic, not the backing paper, to ensure a straight and perfect application.

Once you are satisfied with the positioning, run a long piece of masking tape across the top edge of the graphic's paper carrier and remove any small pieces of tape. This creates a temporary "hinge" at the top of the decal, which will be useful in the next steps.

Now, you can begin to peel away the backing paper. With individual letters or elements, use scissors to cut between them to make this process more manageable. Or, you can leave the decal intact. Peel the backing paper away from the top, allowing the decal to lightly adhere as you pull down. If the decal wrinkles, quickly pull it away and smoothly put it back down. Use a flexible plastic squeegee to press out any air bubbles, working firmly from the center outward.

Finally, remove the strip of masking tape at the top, creating the "hinge." Peel off the transfer paper, starting at the upper left corner and pulling gently at a 45-degree downward angle, almost parallel to the hull surface. The transfer paper might tear, so if it does, resume peeling from the upper left corner. With the transfer paper removed, carefully peel away any remaining backing paper from the centers of letters, such as D, O, or P. An X-Acto knife can help initiate this process.

Removing the backing paper

Firstly, it is important to note that the decal should be positioned and taped in place before removing the backing paper. This ensures that you are happy with the placement and alignment of the graphic. Use masking tape to secure the decal, and ensure you are measuring and positioning based on the graphic itself rather than the backing paper. This will guarantee a straight and precise application.

Now, let's move on to removing the backing paper itself. If your decal has individual letters or elements, it is advisable to use scissors to cut between them, making this process more manageable. Alternatively, you can leave the decal intact. Once you are ready, start peeling away the backing paper from the top. As you pull down on the backing, allow the decal to lightly adhere to the surface.

In the event that the decal forms any wrinkles, quickly pull it away and smoothly lay it back down. You can use a flexible plastic squeegee to press out any air bubbles, working firmly from the centre outwards. Continue peeling off the backing paper until it is completely removed.

If you are working with a small graphic, you can remove the entire piece of backing paper at once. However, for larger graphics, you may need to remove the backing paper in sections to maintain control and precision.

Remember, during this process, it is important to avoid getting the backing paper wet, as this can affect the adhesive properties of the decal.

Applying the decal

Before you begin, ensure the surface and air temperature are no colder than 5°C. Do not apply your graphics to a hot surface or a dark hull in direct sunlight.

First, clean the surface of the boat where the decal will go with soap and water to remove any salt or scum. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel to avoid water spots. Then, spray a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution across the entire area and wipe it down with a clean microfiber towel to remove any residual wax, grease, or oil.

Next, find the vertical center of the area where you want to apply the decal and mark it with a grease pencil above the application area. The vinyl graphic will come sandwiched between backing paper and semi-transparent transfer paper. Lightly fold it in half lengthwise; the crease will indicate the vertical center of the decal. Align the crease with the mark on the hull and roughly position the decal with pieces of masking tape.

Now, align the top of the decal (not the paper) with a horizontal reference line, such as the rub rail underside, to create consistent spacing between the reference line and the top of the graphic from front to back. Once you are happy with the positioning, run a long piece of masking tape across the top edge of the graphic’s paper carrier and remove any small pieces of tape. This serves as a temporary “hinge” at the top of the decal.

With individual letters or elements, use scissors to cut between them to make this process more manageable. Or you can leave the decal intact. In either case, peel away the backing paper from the top, allowing the decal to lightly adhere as you pull down on the backing. If the decal wrinkles anywhere, quickly pull it away with the transfer paper and smoothly put it back down. Press out any air bubbles with a squeegee, working firmly from the center outward.

Remove the strip of masking tape at the top, then peel off the transfer paper, beginning at the upper left corner, pulling gently at a 45-degree downward angle but nearly parallel to the hull surface. The paper might tear; if it does, resume at the upper left corner. With the transfer paper removed, the centers of letters, such as D, O or P, might still contain backing paper. Carefully peel these sections away; an X-Acto knife can help get this started.

Finally, remove the application tape by pulling it back over itself. If bubbles occur, they can be removed by tapping the center of the bubble and working in a circle from the middle out to the edge. This will push the air through the channels in the glue, and your bubble will disappear.

Frequently asked questions