Hello everybody, I'm struggling again (for the second time) over the application of a strip (7"wide x +7') of vinyl. Last month I had to apply a long piece to the top of a window. It was horrible! It was cold out (~40deg) and I used a dry appl. The real problem was that I cut it slightly larger, hoping to trim it to fit. This didn't work.
I'm now doing a boat stripe (6") right under the rub-rail. How do I keep the bottom edge straight and level with an uneven top edge (going under the rub-rail). Oversize and try and trim? This seems pretty simple, but... I'm sure that other's have encountered similar situations. Thanks! Steve
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
First off Steve, you need Rapid Tac II for that cold weather. Clean area first with the R.T.II and a "cheap" paper towel (very important).
I would apply and then trim, seems the quickest to me.
For FREE samples; e-mail your address to mail@rapidtac.com Also check website for info. www.rapidtac.com
Roger Posted by Dave Grundy (Member # 103) on :
Steve...When I am installing stipes on boat hulls I measure down from the rub rail every 3 or 4 feet and place a mark using a china marker pencil. I then lay a stipe of masking tape aligning the top of the tape with the marks. (using masking tape allows you to pull it back up and adjust for straightness). Finallly I lay down the stripe dry using the masking tape as a guide. I find that with boat hulls, using any application fluid, the stripe will tend to "slide" down as you lay it. Sorry Roger, just my experience doing it wet!!! Posted by vinylman777 (Member # 1074) on :
If only you knew how notorious your name is Steve...
You don't happen to be the former president of a certain LARGE sign franchise corporation, do ya?
Posted by Steve Eason (Member # 3567) on :
Sorry, I don't have a clue as to the LARGE sign franchise. I own a one person "independent" shop in Juneau Alaska. I'm only a visitor at this point (purchased shop in Feb'03) but very much intend to upgrade to resident as soon as I get over the initial cashflow hump. Thanks for the tips Roger and Dave! Regards, Steve
Posted by Cheryl Lucas (Member # 1656) on :
Hey Steve,
One thing you have going for you in this situation; Nothing on a boat is ever straight!
One thing, I have to remind myself of, when I get into a rather harry situation is; stay calm and maintain confidence! You are smarter than that stickie stuff!
Make sure your transfer tape is cut as closely to the edge of the vinyl stripe as possible.
Work a small area at a time, using Dave's method, pulling away the backing paper and squeegee(ing) from center and out.
Never have a problem with cold weather down here, but I keep a small sample bottle of Rapit Tac handy, for when I see a wrinkle or foobar starting to appear. A quick squirt in the danger zone allows me to pull and work without stretching the vinyl out of shape.
Don't sweat it, you get this thing licked, with a little more practice!
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