applying decals/stickers advice?

[Fletch]

What's the best way to apply stickers/decals to bodywork? I always seem to get small air bubbles under the surface when applying them directly....anyone have any advice?
I've tried using a hairdryer on them afterwards which helps a little.

Thank you,
Fletch.

[howieb4]

What I've done is use a spray bottle filled with soapy water and liberally spray down the site where the decal is going. Make sure the decal is straight, then lightly press it on. Spray the soapy water on top of the decal and use a credit card, or a bondo applicator and starting from the middle of the decal, squeegee out the water from underneath the decal. Make sure you use lots of water and you'll be able to lift up the decal to remove bubbles. I used to do this over twenty years ago at a previous job. The decals were vinyl and adhesive backed and about 2' x3'. Just make sure this method is compatible with your type of decal.

[sfalfa]

Quote:

Originally Posted by howieb4 What I've done is use a spray bottle filled with soapy water and liberally spray down the site where the decal is going. Make sure the decal is straight, then lightly press it on. Spray the soapy water on top of the decal and use a credit card, or a bondo applicator and starting from the middle of the decal, squeegee out the water from underneath the decal. Make sure you use lots of water and you'll be able to lift up the decal to remove bubbles. I used to do this over twenty years ago at a previous job. The decals were vinyl and adhesive backed and about 2' x3'. Just make sure this method is compatible with your type of decal.

[Farace]

There's a website that sells strongly self-adhesive camera leather for recovering old cameras. Their method of allowing the surface to remain slick enough to be able to position the leather while also allowing it to dry out afterward and stick well is to wet the camera surface down with Purell, which is alcohol-based. I wonder if the same method would work for auto decals?