Question about applying decals in cold weather!

[CyberGreyConvertible]

So, today it's about 37° and I've been working on cosmetic mods for my new 2012 SS. I've finished absolutely everything that I had planned to do except for the side vent decals (they're the 3 gills). I know that it's best to wait for warm weather to apply decals/vinyls, but it's realistically not going to get above 50° until mid-late March, and, frankly, I don't want to wait that long!

So, would it really be a bad idea to apply the decals onto my car with it being about 37° out? The car is in my garage, so it would sit for about a day with the decals on to let them sit.

I appreciate all input here,

Thanks!

[bf7]

Originally Posted by CyberGreyConvertible

So, today it's about 37° and I've been working on cosmetic mods for my new 2012 SS. I've finished absolutely everything that I had planned to do except for the side vent decals (they're the 3 gills). I know that it's best to wait for warm weather to apply decals/vinyls, but it's realistically not going to get above 50° until mid-late March, and, frankly, I don't want to wait that long!

So, would it really be a bad idea to apply the decals onto my car with it being about 37° out? The car is in my garage, so it would sit for about a day with the decals on to let them sit.

I appreciate all input here,

Thanks!

If you have a heat gun, go for it.

If you don't have a heat gun, go for it anyway. Use a hair dryer or something to heat up the surface as best you can. Worst case scenario is the decals peel off, and you can replace the gill stripes for cheap (under $15?). I just know if I wanted them on the car that badly I would find a way to do it rather than wait several months.

However if it was a more expensive/larger decal (rally stripes or hockey sticks), I probably wouldn't chance it.

[CyberGreyConvertible]

Originally Posted by bf7

If you have a heat gun, go for it.

If you don't have a heat gun, go for it anyway. Use a hair dryer or something to heat up the surface as best you can. Worst case scenario is the decals peel off, and you can replace the gill stripes for cheap (under $15?). I just know if I wanted them on the car that badly I would find a way to do it rather than wait several months.

However if it was a more expensive/larger decal (rally stripes or hockey sticks), I probably wouldn't chance it.

I have a heat gun, but I'm legitimately afraid of damaging the paint of the car or the decal itself. I'll just use a hairdryer and go for it tonight!

[bf7]

Originally Posted by CyberGreyConvertible

I have a heat gun, but I'm legitimately afraid of damaging the paint of the car or the decal itself. I'll just use a hairdryer and go for it tonight!

Are you driving the car around this time of year? If so the road salt is likely doing more damage to your gills than you could do with the heat gun! lol

Good luck

[punk5150]

Just wait !!!

[Red2014SS]

Let us know how this works out. I've been dealing with the same issue. Waiting is tough.

[Jsafe17]

Heat gun... just be cautious

[Ace0751]

Heat gun will not hurt the paint unless you keep it in the same area for a long period of time. Heat the garage up if you have a heater then use the heat gun around the grills and wipe of any moisture that comes up. When the area is warm and dry, add the decals carefully. Just my .02.

[jvoisel]

I install vinyl every single day.. Run a complete sign shop for that matter, never once have been bothered by the cold or used a heat gun to heat the surface before installing something.

If you think you can install the decals dry while keeping them straight and without bubbles, go for it but I wouldn't attempt it if you haven't done it before. (this is how I would go about it)

Clean the surface well, rubbing alcohol or degreaser works great but will remove any wax you have on there.. you can LIGHTLY mist the adhesive side of the decals with a soap/water solution and stick them on, get them lined up, then squeegee the water out with your DL.. let them dry (longer the better if you have time) then pull the transfer tape off of the front of the decals.

[TxBandit911]

It was 12 degrees outside when I put my hash marks on, I put two space heaters in my garage with my car, waited a couple hours, was a nice, toasty 60* in there. Decals went on pretty good....

[CyberGreyConvertible]

So, got both sets of vinyls on successfully! There were a few air bubbles, but nothing I couldn't fix. Best piece of advice I can give is to just apply heat for as long as you can, do not rush the process at all. Absolutely thrilled with the vinyls, thanks for the input here guys!

[Ace0751]

Ok where the pics?

[Jsafe17]

Originally Posted by CyberGreyConvertible

So, got both sets of vinyls on successfully! There were a few air bubbles, but nothing I couldn't fix. Best piece of advice I can give is to just apply heat for as long as you can, do not rush the process at all. Absolutely thrilled with the vinyls, thanks for the input here guys!

[Homer2]

Originally Posted by jvoisel

Clean the surface well, rubbing alcohol or degreaser works great but will remove any wax you have on there.. you can LIGHTLY mist the adhesive side of the decals with a soap/water solution and stick them on, get them lined up, then squeegee the water out with your DL.. let them dry (longer the better if you have time) then pull the transfer tape off of the front of the decals.

Exactly what I will be doing Wednesday - after the car sits inside a warm warehouse for an hour...