These are detailed step-by-step instructions on how to apply boat decals.
Our printed graphics are printed onto a special bubble-free air-release vinyl and are intended for a dry application without soapy water. The air channels in the glue allow air to escape from under the vinyl. So you can install them easily without bubbles.
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 as best we can.
You’re going to need:
- A spray bottle filled with water
- Methylated Spirits
- 2 pieces of lint-free cloth
- Masking tape
- The applicator provided
SOME IMPORTANT THINGS BEFORE YOU GET STARTED
- 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 Printed Graphics – Step 1: Prep
Remove the graphics from their post tube. If the graphics or registration numbers are large and curled, lay them flat on on a dry, smooth and clean surface. Leave for a few hours to completely flatten out if needed.
To begin, make sure you are working in a clean environment and out of the wind. Give the boat a good clean with methylated spirits and make sure there’s no polish residue remaining.
How to Apply Printed Graphics – Step 2: Positioning
Before removing the backing paper, tape the graphic in place using masking tape and stand back to see if you’re happy with the positioning of the graphic. If the graphic is large, you might want to consider using the hinge method we use to apply boat names. Just remember to skip the soapy water. Ensure you measure and place the boat stickers based on the graphic as opposed to the backing paper – this will ensure it’s straight and perfect.
How to Apply Printed Graphics – Step 3: Application
If your graphic is small, you can remove the entire piece of backing paper. It can be helpful to split the masking tape you used to position the graphic along the edge on the application tape. This way, you will have a guide for placement by aligning the masking tape that’s on the application tape with the masking tape that’s left on the hull.
After the backing paper is removed, how to apply these boat decals is simple. Hold the graphic with your fingers spread out so the graphic is taut and flat. Use your little finger as a guide to hold the graphic just off the surface of the boat, at this stage, we’re not letting the sticky side of the graphic touch the boat. If it does – you can lift it back off using a quick snapping motion rather than a slow peal.
Once your graphic is in position, let the print touch the hull and lightly tap it in place in a few different spots around the edges. So it stays against the boat.
Now squeegee a line vertically down the center as a starting point. Lift up the right side of the graphic with a quick snapping motion. Using an overlapping pattern, squeegee in an up and down motion. Work your way from the centre down to the end. Make sure each stroke partially covers the last. Repeat on the left side of the graphic.
How to Apply Printed Graphics – Step 4: Removing the application tape
Now it’s time to remove the application tape. Since we’ve applied the print dry, we can remove the application tape immediately. Spray the front generously with water and rub it into the tape. When you see the paper turn translucent, peel the tape off at a sharp angle against itself – keep an eye on the graphic to make sure nothing is lifting off. If it does, stop pulling back the application tape and firmly press the graphic back down before continuing.
How to Apply Printed Graphics – Step 5: Bubbles
If bubbles occur, they are easily removed thanks to the air-release vinyl. Simply tap the center of the bubble 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 simply disappear.
Congratulations! You’re done.
How to Care for your Printed Graphics
Our high quality vinyl graphics are created for longevity so you can enjoy having a great-looking boat for longer. In order to prolong the lifespan of your boat decals you can follow these simple guidelines:
- Don’t use a high pressure hose when washing the graphics
- Use a soft fibre cloth rather than abrasive scrubbers
- Ensure the boat sticker is placed above the water line to keep it from degrading over time
