Hey guys,

I bought some vinyl stripes for my S today. Just wondering if anyone has any tips for applying them?


Do i just mix up some dishwashing liquid/water and "float" the tripes into position?

No - dont use water. There are some vinyl experts on here - give them a chance to answer as well - Chopchop is in Britain and wont see this til tonight.

However, vinyl generally comes with a backing paper which cover the adhesive. IF, the sticker is to stay on permanantly (as against a temporary application like a racing number circle) clean the body work and use prepsol to remove grease, dust, etc.

Peel back just an inch of backing paper and fix down that bit of the stripe in its correct position. Once you are happy with the positioning, then remove the backing paper by pulling it at 90 degrees to the vinyl (only a few inches at a time though) and smooth the stripe in position. Continue until the stripe is fully applied. Trim off excesses and smooth the stripe to remove any air bubbles etc.

If its a temporary application - clean as above and then apply a generous amount of wax type car polish where the application is to go. If you dont you will pull bits of paint off the body when you remove it. Always heat it with a hair dryer as you remove it.

Others ?????

Awesome, thanks Mike.

I'll wait and see if anyone else replies, but what you suggested sounds like a good plan.

I bought some wide white stripes and did "Viper style" stripes up my clubby from a sign vinyl place, they told me to use warm soapy water, i used warm saopy water and floated them into position till i was happy with it and then squeegied it out it. worked fine.

They advised me to wipe it over with Prepsol first though

Its the easiest way i reckon because you can keep pulling it off and replace it till your happy with it

Brenton

Hmm, now i'm confused

Hmm... I dont claim to be an expert in vinyls and the technology has changed muchly.

Seek advice from those with recent experience and familiar with the different types now available.

Wait on chopchop or similar. I simply havn't used it in twenty years and then it was for racing number disks and various sponser decals.

I have used soapy water on all my stickers for over twenty years. It is quick and easy.

But wait till Chopchop replies.

Yea the vinyl places recomend using soapy water from a spray bottle. (dont use much soap as its bad for your paintwork. Clean every surface with prepsol as said.
Get a soft plastic blade (some of that hard foam thats used for signs is perfect). Apply the soapy liquid liberaly, carefuly position the stripe and peal the backing slowly. The soapy water will prevent it from sticking and you'll be able to "float" the stripe to the correct position. Then using the blade working from the centre out on top of the stripe, purge all the liquid from under it. Make sure no bubbles remain under the vinyl. Let dry for a day or so before removing the top paper and its done.

To make the stripes look best you'll have to apply small pieces on the small panels (above the windscreen, on the scuttle panel and the biggest bitch the boot cover and under the badges. Make sure they are in correct allingment with the large stripes as from a few metres away its pretty obvious.

Forgot to mention that they are only bonnet stripes, so it's not a major project.

I'll give the soapy water thing a try. I guess if i bugger it up i can always buy another set of stripes.

Signarama at Ultimo - the best prices on the premium (9000 grade or whatever vinyl). They are like 3-4 times cheaper than any other signarama shop and the vinyl is the same.

What he said!

Here is a section from an instruction sheet I wrote for customers to put on their own vinyl signs (I was in the business for many years!)

WET APPLICATION

This method is used when applying large signs and assists greatly with the elimination of air bubbles. The application of a liquid to the adhesive forms a barrier, which temporarily neutralises the adhesive and allows the sign to be repositioned several times.

Soapy Water – make up a lukewarm solution of water and enzyme free washing up liquid, in the ratio of approximately one tablespoon per bucket of water. Damp down the adhesive with a sponge or fine water spray. Alternatively, wet the application surface with the solution. The sign can then be floated into position. When correctly positioned, dab the sign down to hold in place. Now firmly squeegee the image working from the centre outwards using a Union Jack type pattern. This should remove as much of the water as possible to enable the adhesive action to commence. After allowing 30 to 60 minutes to pass, re-squeegee the entire image to ensure maximum evacuation of the solution and thus maximum adhesion. Carefully remove the application tape ensuring that sufficient adhesion has been reached by the lettering. Finally, re-squeegee the entire sign again, paying particular attention to the top and leading edges.

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1971 Clubman GT - Jet Red
1980 Mini 1000 - Bold As Brass
1967 Riley Elf - Red/White
2002 MINI Cooper - BRG/White
2005 MINI Cooper - BRG/White
2022 MINI Cooper SE - BRG/White

^^^ Thats sounds about right^^^^ I just use a drop of detergent in a spray bottle with water spray the surface, then peel the vinyl up and spray the sticky side of that. Slide into place and squegee on. Let it dry for a bit, then peel app tape off. You can also wet the application tape which softens the glue and makes it come off easier if your in a bit of a rush.

Some pictures of chopchop executing his craft.

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One should never skimp on the zip ties.

Chop Chop,

Do you still have the General?? didn't you try and sell her a few years ago??

ChopChop wasn't the owner of the General, that was MrBob. We actually found the General on Sunday at the Mini King open day, have a look at the photos in the Event / Cruises section.

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One should never skimp on the zip ties.