[C2] Decals not staying on
09-16-2023, 03:00 PM
#4
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Nov 2015
Location: Really Central IL Illinois
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I used 3M #77 but it makes a mess if you try to reposition the decal after putting it down. I also used gold 3M striping tape all around the edges and it holds, but not NCRS.
09-16-2023, 03:21 PM
#5
Safety Car
as stated, you have to get it super clean, with rubbing alcohol, or something similar, and it’s a decal, so soak it in warm water slide it in place work all the bubbles out…. I’ve done it in a couple cars and it looked perfect/never pealed off or anything.
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ChrisBlair (09-16-2023)
09-16-2023, 06:25 PM
#8
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: Oviedo Florida
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2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
All ways use high quality decals. I always use RustOleum wax and tar remover.
Good luck
Good luck
09-17-2023, 06:19 PM
#10
Race Director
THIS 
The absolute best way to install water soluble decals on valve covers is by using a "decal setting solution". I like Solvaset, but Micro-Sol, Testers Decal Setting Solution and some other brands also work well.
Setting solution softens the decal and allows it to both adhere and conform to the surface the decal is being applied too. It was originally developed for model builders and model railroading where decals are often being applied to imperfect surfaces, like the wood grain on a box car or the rivets in the fuselage of a model airplane.
The following is the process I've used for applying decals with setting solutions after a life time of building model cars and playing with real ones too. Clean the surface good, soak the decal like you normally wood, apply a little of the setting solution to the surface and slide the decal off it's paper backing and onto the valve cover. Cover the decal with more setting solution, let it set up and soften the decal for 30-60 seconds and very lightly bloat it dry. With valve covers, especially the rough, porous surface of aluminum covers, I like to give it another minute or so to set up longer and then apply another very light coat of setting solution and allow it to air dry.
The absolute best way to install water soluble decals on valve covers is by using a "decal setting solution". I like Solvaset, but Micro-Sol, Testers Decal Setting Solution and some other brands also work well.
Setting solution softens the decal and allows it to both adhere and conform to the surface the decal is being applied too. It was originally developed for model builders and model railroading where decals are often being applied to imperfect surfaces, like the wood grain on a box car or the rivets in the fuselage of a model airplane.
The following is the process I've used for applying decals with setting solutions after a life time of building model cars and playing with real ones too. Clean the surface good, soak the decal like you normally wood, apply a little of the setting solution to the surface and slide the decal off it's paper backing and onto the valve cover. Cover the decal with more setting solution, let it set up and soften the decal for 30-60 seconds and very lightly bloat it dry. With valve covers, especially the rough, porous surface of aluminum covers, I like to give it another minute or so to set up longer and then apply another very light coat of setting solution and allow it to air dry.
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JohnnyRay (02-19-2024)