How to use a Hairdryer on decal

Thought this might help some people out.

What a frickin job getting the side decals on the BOZZ Speed EVO today. Took me almost one hour just to get 2 decals on.
The whole side of the car is a one piece decal.
Making it so thin is good as it helps to set it down but its so easy to tear if things go wrong.
I never used any Microsol or Microset as i have found out in the past that some decals dont like the stuff and seem to dry in a milky white colour if there is any clear part to the decal. I tested a spare decal from the model overnight, and sure enough it dried white car.
So when it came to trying to get the decal over and sitting on the door handles (which is a pain in the arse) i know i was going to be in for a major problem. Those who have done this will know what im talking about !!
I knew i had to use a hair dryer to help out. Some of you may use a hot cloth, but i like the dryier best

If you have never used a dryier before....here's a couple of tips that may help you out.

Once the whole decal was sitting down well over the side panels i used the wifes hair dryer to soften the decal around the handle's so that it would sit down correctly.
You need to hold it around 100mm (4") from the place you want to warm up
Move it quite quickly over the area at that distance back and forth as you count to 5-7 secs with the dryier set on high. DONT do it for much longer as you will dry it out too much and may wrinkle the decal.
Then get a soft brush and brush it over the decal, pushing gently into the area the decal has to sit. Repeat if you have to....but FIRST brush some cooler water over the decal to wet it again. This will put some moisture back into the decal if you try using the dryier to soon after the first go.
You can use this idea on any surface you have trouble with. I also quickly go over any panel lines as this helps the decal to sit in the grooves better.

This is how it turned out

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/812147DSCF0990.JPG

ASTONISHINGLY FEROCIOUS!!

Astonishingly nice too...good work Yoda! :D

Looks great but let me tell you a easier way to deal with stubborn decals. Press them down with a very hot cloth or tissue. Run a cloth or tissue under the hottest water you get from tap. Immediately damp excess water and press firmly over decal. It will conform instantly and without any wrinkles like you get with solvents. Believe me nothing works better. You probably could both of those decals in lesss than 10 min. that way.

Originally posted by 935k3
Looks great but let me tell you a easier way to deal with stubborn decals. Press them down with a very hot cloth or tissue. Run a cloth or tissue under the hottest water you get from tap. Immediately damp excess water and press firmly over decal. It will conform instantly and without any wrinkles like you get with solvents. Believe me nothing works better. You probably could both of those decals in lesss than 10 min. that way.
I've tried the hot cloth trick and i always seem to end up with the decal sticking to the cloth :mad: ....but i might give it a go again next time.
Thanks for your imput :cool:

Originally posted by 935k3
Looks great but let me tell you a easier way to deal with stubborn decals. Press them down with a very hot cloth or tissue. Run a cloth or tissue under the hottest water you get from tap. Immediately damp excess water and press firmly over decal. It will conform instantly and without any wrinkles like you get with solvents. Believe me nothing works better. You probably could both of those decals in lesss than 10 min. that way.

with i read this before i finished my last model. but im glad i know this from now on.. thanks!

Originally posted by primera man

I've tried the hot cloth trick and i always seem to end up with the decal sticking to the cloth :mad: ....but i might give it a go again next time.
Thanks for your imput :cool:

I usually use a tissue. I never had the decal stick to it though.

thanks for the info pman. btw, the evo looks phat.

Up until now, I always used MicroSet to handle difficult decals and never got a problem with them. When in a decal however there are clear parts in it, I always cut these clear areas out. That being said, I will for sure try the "hot issue" .. euh "hot tissue" I mean, technique. The hairdryer seems pretty radical to me at this point, but maybe I'll give it a go someday.

oh yeah P-Man, that Evo looks very sweet!!:D

jeez i boil the jug to do mine, just hurts a bit when ya squeze the cloth out, but it works great everytime, although the decal must be in the exact right place cause they really stick down.:D