07-29-2014, 07:37 PM | #1 |
Drives: 2014 Camaro 1LT/RS Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Arizona
Posts: 1,693
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Vinyl Troubles
Is it me or is vinyl extremely difficult to line up and place on a vehicle?
I purchased some flat black vinyl hash marks and gill stripes. After a lot of frustration I got the hash marks on, but one has an inch crease on it. Oh well. Went to do the gills, spent 5 minutes on attempting to apply each gill. The end product was messy and horrible, ended up taking them all of and trashing it. Did I do something wrong or is vinyl just commonly hard to work with.
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Detailing is an involuntary obsession.
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07-29-2014, 07:51 PM | #2 |
Camaro CRAZY
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Vinyl can definitely be difficult, I hate working with it haha. Did you try to install it dry or wet? If you tried dry, try a wet application. I used windshield cleaner stuff cause it's nice and soapy, spray the car then the vinyl, slide it on, squeegee out the soapy stuff, and pull off the transfer paper. Good luck next time. At least gills and hash marks are cheap on eBay. Believe me, I've been through a bunch of sets haha.
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07-29-2014, 08:31 PM | #3 | |
Drives: 2013 Camaro 1LS Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Hicksville, NY
Posts: 102
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Quote:
Look at it this way, now we're experts since we have been through the pain. |
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07-29-2014, 08:37 PM | #4 |
Go Vols!
Drives: 2011 Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: FL
Posts: 226
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I always just tape the vinyl where I want it while its still wrapped up and stand back to ensure I like the position.
Once I like the position I mark it with painters tape. I use a drop of dishwasher soap and spray bottle on the vinyl and then put in place and push out the water when its in place. Vinyl takes patience. I installed stripes on my 99 camaro and it and extra body and a lot of time. |
07-29-2014, 11:34 PM | #5 |
Drives: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport Join Date: May 2010
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 10,870
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i always spray some soap/water mixture on the back of the vinyl and on the car this way i can move it around and place it where i like so i don't need to worry about it sticking to one place and have to rip it up or warping the vinyl itself. All you need to do then is squeegee the water out from under the vinyl you lay down.. no bubbles or creases then
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07-29-2014, 11:34 PM | #6 |
soap water and squeegees will get you a long way when it comes to working with vinyls. Definitely try the wet method.
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07-30-2014, 12:24 AM | #7 |
Drives: '11 SW 1LT RS Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Granite Bay, CA
Posts: 717
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Ya as a total noob I was able to watch a few youtube videos a do a wet application. Came out looking great. Even did hood spears which turned out awesome. Take your time, you can't make it too wet.
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07-30-2014, 12:28 AM | #8 |
B.O.D. 02/16/10
Drives: 2010 SGM Sp. Edition 2017 RS Conver Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Albia,Iowa
Posts: 3,959
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Easy on the squeegee, you don't want to stretch the vinyl.
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07-30-2014, 03:29 AM | #9 |
Drives: '12 IOM LT 'vert Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NEPA
Posts: 646
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That's because hash marks only belong on a Dodge. They are refusing to go on your Camaro.
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07-30-2014, 11:56 AM | #10 |
Drives: '11 SW 1LT RS Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Granite Bay, CA
Posts: 717
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HAHAHA great comment!
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07-30-2014, 01:01 PM | #11 |
Drives: 2011 SS Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Arizona
Posts: 317
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Wet method and RapidTac works for me for all vinyl applications....
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2011 SS L99 - CAI, Ported TB, Air Scoop, LT and HF Cats, Borla Exhaust, Quad Tips, 3.91 gears, 1.4 lowering springs, plus some misc.
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