Installing graphics on aluminum boats?

[Whitaker201]

I had some logos (graphics) made for my Tracker and after one trip both graphics were messed up. One graphic split from the bottom up to the rib, then it pulled away from the boat, like a tunnel. The other graphic looks like the bottom edge came loose and started flapping in the water spray coming off of the boat.
To install the graphics:
I cleaned the boat with dish soap.
Let it dry for a few days.
Then wiped the area with 91% alcohol and let it dry for 5 minutes.
Lightly sprayed the area with a mix of dawn and water from a spray bottle.
Applied the graphic.
Used a squeegee to work the graphic flat and around all contours of the boat.

It was 3 days later when I took the boat out, so I think the water should have evaporated and the adhesive should have been stuck to the boat by then.

I am going to have them made again and would like to know what should I do differently? I am thinking about shrinking the logo about 2" so it is a little more above the waterline.

[TritonTRXV8]

Where did you get the graphics from? You applied them wet?

[Whitaker201]

I got them from FastSigns. They are some kind of 3M material. Yes I applied them wet.

[rocket man]

Not a boat, but about 12years ago I had signs made for my trucks fuel tanks {aluminum } and they still look good.

[ct0218]

Some films have to be applied wet, and others cannot be applied wet. 3M films can be either, and the type of film (number) is marked on the backing paper. 3M makes a couple of products to prevent this edge lifting, especially those submerged or subjected to extreme water pressure. I have used these products with 3M 1080 vinyl auto and boat wrap--one is a primer applied to the aluminum, and the other is a clear topcoat applied to and overlapping the vinyl and aluminum about 1/4 inch on each. When I wrapped my boat I used these the products and had no loose film except in one 4 inch long area that I missed with the topcoat. Also, with these cooler temps it may take a week or two or more for the adhesive to cure enough to resist the film adhesive from softening and lifting.

[Whitaker201]

I will ask them what 3M product they used.
What are the products that keep the edges from lifting?

[ct0218]

3M Edge Sealer 3950, 8 oz applicator bottle. Sells for $25-$30, but it does work. On my boat in early summer the first couple times I was in the water--even after a week of curing--the edge sealer turned white in a few places for a couple days. After that it cleared up, and even after 4 days sitting in the water it never clouded again. Excellent product. The sealer makes a very smooth edge when applied properly applied, and that is 1/4 inch on the vinyl and aluminum, 1/2 inch wide coat overall. Without the sealer the vinyl has a sharp edge and that is what catches the water as it passes by it and that is what peels it away from the aluminum.

[Whitaker201]

Thank you! I will check out that product.

[Whitaker201]

I just reread your post about the primer also. What is the primer you used?

Just so I got this correct you used:
Primer - ???
3M 1080 graphics
3M Edge sealer 3950

[ct0218]

I didn't use a primer on my wrap job, but I did try the 3950 Edge Sealer and some of the wrap on a bare aluminum spot and took the boat out, this was before I started the project. I was amazed at how well everything stuck. The primer would have been my last resort if the 3950 failed, which it didn't. If you're applying over mill finish aluminum I doubt that you will need it. Just clean it really good! As for other substrates I can't say, but if it is slick I would use it. The primer is 3M 94 Primer. Here's a source that has everything that you might need, might take a little digging since they sell a lot of products related to vinyl wrapping: www.metrorestyling.com