Trimming Emblem Tape

Having successfully installed the new tailgate I am now contemplating tranferring the emblems from old to new. They removed just fine with a heatgun and putty knife and I have them cleaned up, but am a bit concerned about properly trimming the 3M 411 tape.

I see that the original adhesive was die cut to match the letters and 1" wide tape is 'flexy' enough I am not sure that attemting to use an Exacto knife around the letters will be cosmetically effective.

What methods have you with experience successfully used?

 

Attempting to trim the tape to look professional will be problematic. Most body shops just purchase and install new emblems.

 

Good luck with that. I tried and failed miserably, as that tape just stretches and smears using an xacto knife. I just ended up buying new emblems.

 

What I've done, not for this, but the same type of issue... Apply the tape to the emblem then from the tape side, cut at a slight angle following the emblem. Use a sharp blade and cut on the push.. don't try cutting when pulling back.