automaton Posted August 16, 2011 Share Posted August 16, 2011 Hey guys, So I just got a package from Far Away Creations with all the stuff I need to finish up my MLC helmet. I laid out all the decals and got really excited to start applying them. Then I realized I don't really know how to apply them. What is the best way to get them in the right place and to stick real good? I guess I've never applied decals before. Thanks, -a Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dart Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 Just be careful. Test fit the decals to make sure they're where you want them and then prep the area with an alcohol wipe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automaton Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 So I just pull the backing off, place them where they should be, and then rub real hard? Is that it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jello Posted August 17, 2011 Share Posted August 17, 2011 That should be all you'll have to do to 'em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automaton Posted August 17, 2011 Author Share Posted August 17, 2011 Thanks. That's what I was originally thinking but I thought I remembered reading somewhere on here to hit them with a heat gun or something. That should be all you'll have to do to 'em. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jello Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 Nah, no heatgun. I've got MC's scout kit; the decals are just plain sticky backed vinyl. Do take Dart's advice and test fit them before sticking them down. Once they're on, that's it. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automaton Posted August 18, 2011 Author Share Posted August 18, 2011 Nah, no heatgun. I've got MC's scout kit; the decals are just plain sticky backed vinyl. Do take Dart's advice and test fit them before sticking them down. Once they're on, that's it. Good luck! So when you say "test fit", I can gently stick them in place and peel them up if they aren't right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dart Posted August 18, 2011 Share Posted August 18, 2011 So when you say "test fit", I can gently stick them in place and peel them up if they aren't right? By "test fit" I mean cut them out to the right size, make sure you have a good idea where you want them to sit by holding them in position with your hand. Vinyl stickers don't really like being stuck and un-stuck. Just make sure everything's straight before you slap 'em on. Before you pull the last piece of tape off (after you've already stuck them to the bucket) just rub the sticker and all the edges with the back of a fingernail to make sure it's all stuck well. It's not rocket science but it can be screwed up if you don't pay attention. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automaton Posted August 18, 2011 Author Share Posted August 18, 2011 By "test fit" I mean cut them out to the right size, make sure you have a good idea where you want them to sit by holding them in position with your hand. Vinyl stickers don't really like being stuck and un-stuck. Just make sure everything's straight before you slap 'em on. Before you pull the last piece of tape off (after you've already stuck them to the bucket) just rub the sticker and all the edges with the back of a fingernail to make sure it's all stuck well. It's not rocket science but it can be screwed up if you don't pay attention. Good luck! Thanks for the detailed answers. I know it's pretty straight forward but I just wanted to triple check before I go off and screw something up. I've been known to do that in the past. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest amdevil Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 Old thread but it came up on my search. I have the MC decals and both of the small "vent" stickers are peeling away. has anyone used any type of adhesive to hold them down? I painted my DP with Krylon fusion. I hope this type of spray paint wouldnt have caused the problem. Eager to hear of a solution for my "problem" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pandatrooper Posted August 20, 2012 Share Posted August 20, 2012 Heat up the decal area with a hair dryer. This will warm up and soften the adhesive. With clean hands, slip some decal backing paper under a corner of a decal and peel it off. Then flip it over and apply some spray adhesive like 3M super 77 spray. Let it tack for a couple seconds then apply the decal and press it down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest amdevil Posted October 12, 2012 Share Posted October 12, 2012 Awesome advice PT. The only decal I have left is the large decal for the back or the helmet. I think some have called the "rank" decal but I always thought it was just another large "vent". Its the decal that has a little less then 20 black vertical bars. Is there a trick for placement on that one or do most of you just "eye ball it". any particular distance from the ear? how do you get it straight? Dumb questions - maybe concerned builder - defiantly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dart Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Take a good look at the gallery. There's some good shots of the black bars. When I did mine, I tried to get them more or less at the same level as the indented bars and about as far from the center line as they were as well. Do a test fit (by holding that bit up to the helmet, clean the area with some isopropyl alcohol (a dirty surface won't allow the optimal "stick"), maybe mark the bucket with a pencil (very lightly - it can be removed) and just go for it. Try to stick the middle of the decal first (middle area of the bars - lengthwise) and then start sticking down the top and bottom edges. Use the back/top of your fingernail or the back of a plastic spoon and work every bar, up and down, all edges, until you don't see any air bubbles or gaps. Then, pull the masking tape off, carefully. Doing this stuff can be really tedious and nervous but if you take the time to really map out where they're supposed to go, it makes things easier. One last thing: make sure the bars are straight. By that, I mean that they don't angle downwards towards the bottom front of the helmet. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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