Hi Inverted,
From the time stamp, looks like you posted this,
03-27-2021, 05:36 PM - which would be Saturday at 5:36pm and by then I was done for the day. So apologies for the late reply but if I work 7 days a week I'll end up divorced. :bolt:
Just don't want anyone thinking I'm slacking off.
Hi Mike
i have a 2020 Ford Raptor and I will be installing OEM bedside decals (as attached). 2 questions :
1. What should I use to prep the area to remove wax etc ?
2. These graphics are $650/pair and I’m really trying to ensure I do this right. Does a spray bottle with a soapy mix still the recommended way to install these ? I am considering having a local sign shop do the install ..
thanks
If it were me?
I would machine polish to make the paint perfect.
Then use a quality panel wipe to strip the paint.
I'm not a huge fan of IPA. It doesn't wipe good. It's CHEAP and can be purchased damn near anywhere and this is my guess as to why so many people use it. My favorite panel wipe at this moment in time is the 3D Wipe. Good stuff.
As for doing the install yourself? It's not that hard if you take your time. That said, I find getting the placement perfect to be challenging. I'm good at a lot of things but perfectly installing graphics is not one of them.
My friend Jay on the other hand is really talented in this area. Here's a FULL PHOTO DOCUMENTATION of Jay at work.
From the year 2012
1999 Trans Am Extreme Makeover - Testing M101 Foam Cut Compound
Jay heating the vinyl graphics up using a simple Conair Hair Blow Dryer...
Here's Ken and I using a Heat Gun, when using a Heat Gun instead of a hair dryer you really need to be careful that you don't get the paint itself too hot...
New graphics going on... this was hours later after we meticulously buffed the hood to remove most of the Ghosting and all of the adhesive residue...
Here you can see that we removed the rear spoiler in order to apply the racing stripes to the deck lid...
After putting he racing stripes on the spoiler we're not re-attaching it...
Jay installing all the lettering...
Windshield graphics going on....
Came out PERFECT
Definitely something to be said for those that have a talent for this type of craft.
:buffing:
