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How to apply boat lettering |
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Applying boat lettering to personalize your boat is simple and easy if you follow some basic steps. Once you have decided on the boat name and have received your order for its vinyl lettering, you can do the application of the boat lettering yourself.
The first thing to remember is to prepare the surface of the boat where you plan to put the boat lettering. Make sure the surface is free of dirt and wax. You can clean the surface thoroughly by using isopropyl alcohol. Time your application when the weather is good.
The following are the basic tools and materials you will need to apply your boat lettering:
· Mild soapy water in a spray bottle. Use 1 to 2 drops of dish soap per quart of water. Too much soap will not allow the vinyl to stick.
· A hard squeegee or other hard piece of plastic. (1 squeegee supplied with every order)
· A tape measure
· Exacto knife or scissors
· marking pencil
· masking tape
Once you have your tools and supplies ready and your boat surface cleaned, you can carefully follow the procedures below as outlined by Name That Boat to apply your boat lettering and graphics:
Step 1
Temporarily tape name to boat using two small pieces of masking tape.
Measure and mark the area you wish to apply your vinyl. Take your time in this step to ensure the name or graphic is level and positioned properly before proceeding. Use a tape measure to check for level. Use the straight edge on the paper if you have one, if not, measure from the edges of similar letters. Keep in mind that some letters like S’s will drop below the line of text.
Step 2
“Hinge” the graphic across the top with a long strip of masking tape. You want the tape to be half on the boat and half on the paper. Sometimes I like to use two of these strips just to be sure that the graphic does not move.
Step 3
Now, when you flip the graphic up, everything stays in place. Lift the graphic up and lightly spray the area of the boat with your soapy water mixture. Lightly is the key word. Continue holding the graphic up and carefully remove the wax paper backing.
Step 4
Carefully let the graphic back into position and use your squeegee to run down the middle of the graphic from top to bottom.
Step 5
Lift one of the sides up and squeegee from the center toward the edges. You should always work from the center out to minimize air bubbles.
Step 6
Repeat for the other side of the graphic. Now, finish by wetting the applied graphic with your soapy water mixture. This will make it easier to remove the transfer tape and helps keep the vinyl from pulling up. Wait a few minutes and then remove the paper slowly. It seems to work better if you start with one edge and try to maintain a 45 degree angle (pull the paper left or right more that pulling it towards you.) Once the paper is removed, you can pop any small air bubbles with a small needle and press out the air with your finger. Any water bubbles will evaporate in a few days.
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