Installing new decals

Hey TW. I’m about remove my current decals and replace them with different ones. I’m ok with removing the decals and the residual adhesive. My only question is after removing and cleaning the areas should I wax the area where the new decal will go? I’m just not sure if this will affect the new adhesive? My gut tells me to wax the whole area an then place the new decal.
Thanks in advance!

 

Welcome to TW!!

Pretty sure decals are applied to a clean surface for better adhesion?

Let others chime in~

 

Thanks. I’ve seen lots of videos and read things on removal. Just nothing on prepping surface for new decals.

 

I've done a couple for others and used Prep Solvent (3M) to clean the area before applying the vinyl. I imagine there are other products available, but that is what I keep in my shop for automotive finish projects.

 

Thanks for the help!

 

You definitley want to start with a completely clean paint surface. Otherwise the decal is not getting full adhesion to the paint.

 

Personally, I use Chemical Guy's "Clean Slate" soap and then follow up with their "Wipe Out" surface cleaner.

But you definitely don't want a coat of wax or anything between your new decal and the paint.

 

If you haven’t applied them yet when you do, you can use sticker spray applied to the panel it’s like a soapy solution. Spray the panel down and put the decal on it allows you to move the decal on the panel the squiggy out the decal from the center out.

 

Thanks for the tip! I already applied them.

 

Yours came out good! I just put mine on today. Just did one side for a trial run. Didn’t wax, used alcohol to remove any residue including wax (per decal co. recommendations).

 

NO WAX. Clean the area with isopropyl or rubbing alcohol. You want a clean surface.