Embedded Files
I've been wanting to put vinyl graphics on the sides of my xB for a few years now. I had decided upon a design offered on eBay in early 2015 but just as I was ready to pull the trigger, the seller went out of business. Since that time several Chinese sellers have gotten into the business and driven prices (and quality) down. Recently I saw some graphics that I liked for a rather low price, so I took the plunge, figuring that if I didn't like the result, I could always remove the graphics and try again.
(This mod took place on April 3 2016.)
Example of WW II nose art
Graphics on machines have been around since World War I but really "took off' with nose art on fighter planes and bombers in WWII.
Today you can find ready-to-apply vinyl graphics for your car on the internet, Amazon, and eBay for very reasonable prices. The challenge is to find a design that you like with a not-too-cheap level of quality.
Image from a seller of vinyl graphics based in China on eBay
After spending a considerable amount of time searching, I found this design offered by a seller based in China for only $35 shipped. The material used is not of the highest quality and the price reflects this, but this also allows me to get experience for not much investment.
After waiting almost a month, the product arrived rolled up in a 3" diameter shipping tube. Since there are 3 layers to the product (transfer film, vinyl graphic, and removable backing paper) the layers moved relative to each other due to being rolled up. When I unpacked and flattened out the product, the layers separated and air pockets between the layers formed. I decided to install promptly to avoid permanent damage to the graphic, or undesired foreign material becoming attached to the adhesive.
After washing the car (having purposefully not waxed the car for some time) and removing stubborn spots with denatured alcohol, I trimmed excess blank area around the graphic, then decided on the placement of the graphic on the car.
After deciding on placement of the graphic, I further secured the upper and lower edges with more tape, then used a razor blade to cut out the driver's door section to be the "anchor" for the graphic.
Since this is a rather large graphic, I decided to apply it use the "wet method" similar to a windshield sunstrip. This allow easy repositioning of the vinyl and the ability to work out wrinkles.
Tools required are a spray bottle, a weak soap solution (2-3 drops of mild hand dishwashing detergent in a 4 ounce bottle), a single edge razor blade, a soft rubber squeegee, and a cloth (towel or T-shirt) that has been well-laundered (to reduce lint).
spray the surface to be decorated with the soap solution
separate the backing paper from the graphic/transfer film, spraying the backside (adhesive side) of the graphic/transfer film as you go
place the graphic/transfer film onto the surface to be decorated
spray the exterior surface of the transfer film (to act as a lubricant)
using the squeegee, smooth out bubbles and wrinkles working from the center to the edges
peel off the transfer film, being careful not to disturb the graphic
Driver's door done
7. spray the graphic (to act as a lubricant)
8. using the squeegee and gentle pressure, smooth out bubbles and wrinkles working from the center of the graphic to the edges (spray more soap solution if needed)
9. trim edges of the graphic if necessary
10. using the cloth, apply pressure to the graphic and work from the center of the graphic to the edges to remove as much solution between the graphic and the surface as possible
11. repeat step 10 a few times, gradually increasing pressure each time
12. let dry (may take several days)
Repeat above steps 1-11 for each piece of graphic to be applied.
Take your time.
(Picture shows the driver's side just about done.)
Final result, in the daylight. The color is lighter than I envisioned, but it still brings a smile to my face.
Which, of course, is the point!
Next: Double DIN Stereo
You can send your questions or comments to BrickPig2011xb@mail.com
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