How to Install Boat Decals

The beauty of being In North Queensland is our access to some of the most gorgeous beaches, and river systems in the world. Hinchinbrook through to the Burdekin avid fisherman and captains alike hit the water in their pride and joy. For all you Jack Sparrows out there we thought we would give you help with signwriting your “Black Pearl” with these easy-to-follow steps on “How to install boat decals.”

What you will need:

• A ruler
• Cleaning rags
• Cleaning agents (Isopropanol, Wax and Grease Remover)
• Water
• Spray Bottle with Detergent water
• Masking Tape with a medium tack
• Squeegee or plastic bank card
• Knife
• You’re amazing custom decal made by Queensland Signage Solution… or your local Sign shop
• Pencil or water removable crayon

Step 1:

Obtain a Boat

Step 2:

Very important – Do not skip this step. Clean the surface of the boat where the decal will go. All contaminants on the surface will need to be removed to make for a smooth finish. We use soapy water and a rag to get the majority of contaminants off then follow up with alcohol (isopropanol) to finish. Use cleaning agents responsibly and keep away from children. Do not work in an enclosed environment.

Now comes installation. We have 3 methods which can be used.

Method 1 – Wet apply

1. Using a ruler draw a straight line that is level on the boat which will be either the “top line” or the “base line” of your decal text. Use the masking tape to hold the decal in position and make sure you are happy with its location. Once happy and decal is level move on to the next step.

2. Mark the position of the decal on the boat remove the sticker and place it on a rigid flat surface that is clean. Peel back the backing paper on the decal and spray the soapy water solution onto the adhesive side of the decal.

3. Place the decal back into a marked position on the boat with the newly wet decal. The decal may slide around on the boat due to the soapy water but this allows for repositioning if it needs to be re-aligned prior to squeegee application.

4. Once in place using a squeegee start to apply the decal with firm pressure. Starting from the centre of the decal work the soapy water out to the edge going centre to left, then centre to right. The goal is to press all water and air out from the sticker in the first hit or bubbles will form.

5. Once applied leave the application tape on the decal so it can dry out and move to the other side of the boat. Repeat step 1 and onwards for the other side.

6. Once the water has evaporated from the decal (approximately 1/2 hr in direct sunlight) the application tape can be removed. If the underlying sticker peels up in this process the sticker needs to dry longer. Once the application tape is removed, wipe off any remaining marks. The decal is now installed and completed. Good work!

Method 2 – Dry hinge apply

For more Experienced users

1. Using a ruler draw a straight line that is level on the boat which will be either the “top line” or the “base line” of your decal text. Use the masking tape to hold the decal in position and make sure you are happy with its location. Once happy and decal is level move on to the next step.

2. Mark the position of the decal on the boat and run a strip of masking tape through the centre of the decal vertically. That tape is called “The Hinge.”

3. Starting with the left side of the decal fold itself in half over the hinge tape. Peel off the backing paper of the decal and cut it off. Keep hold of the peeled decal as it will stick to itself or anything it touches.

4. Using your squeegee start firmly applying the left side down from the centre hinge, pushing the vinyl down in an up and down motion, working your way left. It is important to keep the open side of the decal elevated off the boat during this process.

5. Once the left side is applied remove the hinge tape and begin the same process to the right.

6. Once the decal has been applied to the boat, remove the application tape, and wipe down any marks. As this was applied dry there should be no waiting for the water to dry out.

Method 3 – Dry Top Hinge apply

For more Experienced users

1. Using a ruler draw a straight line that is level on the boat which will be either the “top line” or the “base line” of your decal text. Use the masking tape to hold the decal in position and make sure you are happy with its location. Once happy and decal is level move on to the next step.

2. Mark the position of the decal on the boat and run a strip of masking tape along the top of the decal Horizontally. That tape is called “The Hinge.”

3. If practical split the decal between words making sure not to cut vinyl decal, only the application tape and backing paper keeping the top hinge in place. This process helps with ribbed surfaces and makes the decal more manageable to work on sections.

4. Using the top hinge, flip the decal up and peel off the backing paper from the decal disposing of the backing paper. Keep the adhesive decal elevated from the boat and start applying from the top hinge down. Repeat this process on each individual section.

5. Once the decal has been applied to the boat, remove the application tape, and wipe down any marks. As this was applied dry there should be no waiting for the water to dry out.

Step 3:

With your decal on there is nothing left to do but brag to your friends and family about what you achieved. Make sure to share this page with anyone else who needs this walk-through! Feel free to subscribe to our Queensland Signage Solution Channel for any future “how to’s.”