These are detailed step-by-step instruction on how to apply boat graphics to a chine hull.
Since many chined hulls are left unpainted, we’re going to walk you through applying the graphics dry. Which is required for applying any graphics to raw aluminum. If you have a painted boat, you can spray it with a little bit of soapy water to help ease the process.
Instruction Video
Step-by-Step Instructions
Please Read ALL of these instructions before you start to apply your Boat Name.
Applying graphics is really simple if you follow these instructions exactly.
If you have any questions or something starts to go wrong, call Chris on 0421 333 905 and we’ll help you best we can.
You’re going to need a:
- A spray bottle filled with soapy water (use a ratio of 2 drops of soap to 1 cup of water)
- Methylated Spirits
- 2 pieces of lint-free cloth
- A measuring tape
- Masking tape
- The Applicator provided
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED
- If your boat has an unpainted aluminum hull, you must apply your graphics dry.
- Make sure the surface and air temperature are NO colder than 5°C.
- Don’t apply your graphics to a hot surface or a dark hull in direct sunlight.
- Don’t get the backing paper wet.
How to Apply Boat Graphics to a chine hull – Step 1: Prep
Before starting, make sure you have a smooth and clean area to work from, clear of clutter and dust. Remove your graphics from their post tube and roll them out on a smooth clean surface. Use the squeegee to press out the front application paper. This ensures the graphics are well adhered to the transfer paper.
Make sure you have given the boat a thorough wash with fresh water. Follow up by wiping it down with methylated spirits and a clean lint-free rag. The boat needs to be free of salt, dirt and any polish. Pay special attention to the valley of the chine. This is the area where strong adhesion is really needed. Make sure you work in a shed or choose a nice clear day with no wind.
How to Apply Boat Graphics to a chine hull – Step 2: Positioning
Now that the surface is clean and ready, we need to mark up the position of the graphics. Start by tucking the top of the graphic under a chine. Use the chine above to measure if your graphics are straight. Keep in mind that letters with round tops sit slightly higher than letters with flat tops.
Tape the transfer in place and mark the position on the edge with a pencil.
How to Apply Boat Graphics to a chine hull – Step 3: Application
We are now ready to apply. Turn the graphic over so it’s facing away from you. Remove the folded over strip of application tape at the ends. And remove the backing paper completely. If pieces of the graphic are lifting up with the backing paper, push them firmly back down onto the application tape before continuing.
When the backing paper is removed, be careful not to let the sticky side touch itself. It will bond to itself very well and possibly ruin the graphic.
Hold the graphic stretched and taut and lay one edge into the mark. The ones you made in the previous step. Lightly tack this point into place. Carefully bring the other edge into its mark and lightly tack it into place. If you need to lift the graphic off the hull, it is better to use a quick snapping motion. Rather than a slow peel.
Squeegee technique
We are going to apply the top flat section or plank first. And work our way down the graphic. To do this, hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle and work your way from the center to the edges. Try to apply the top half first and apply the bottom section after. Hold the rest of the graphic slightly off the hull. This prevents it from sticking in the wrong spot.
Now we need to work the graphic over the chine and into the valley. The most important part here is to make sure we don’t bridge the gap of the valley. We want to apply the chine in two stages. First, run the squeegee over the lip to roll the transfer onto the flat part of the chine. Then push it into the flat part of the valley. Finally, run the squeegee through the valley to ensure good adhesion.
From this point, it’s just a matter of repeating over each plank and chine.
How to Apply Boat Graphics to a chine hull – Step 4: Removing the application paper
Now that the graphic is applied, we just need to wet out the transfer paper to soften the glue. Use a spray bottle with water or a clean, wet rag to wet the transfer paper. Leave the paper to soak for about 30 seconds and pull the paper off by pulling it back against itself.
Bubbles
Bubbles can form if there’s uneven pressure on the squeegee or if the squeegee strikes do not overlap properly. This is nothing to concerned about. We just need to release the air and push the bubble out. To do this you will need a sharp pin or needle. Do not use a craft knife as it will leave a small cut which will expand over time. Pop the bubble and flatten the bubble out with your finger. Make sure the hole is the last place to be pressed down.
Congratulations! You just applied your graphics to a chine hull like a pro.
