New cowling decals- Advice please

[MET]

I had my boat tied up at the dock this weekend backing down my trailer, when some moron in a 25 foot cruiser decided he squeeze in and pick up his passenger. He did, and smashed the cowling on 250xs in the process. I am getting a new cowling and decals from Mercury Racing. Can't get one with decals already installed (that would be too easy I guess).

Has anyone installed these before? How hard is it? Any instructions?

Thanks in advance for the help.

MET

[flubyu]

I replaced the decals on mine, and had no problems at all. Just take your time and you will be fine.

[MET]

Thanks flubyu,

Are they sticky like a bumper sticker....one shot and you are done, or do you spray something on the cowling before applying so you can adjust before drying if needed?

Thanks, MET

[Bummer]

Just put some on myself. Spray with soapy water and use a little piece of rubber to get the bubbles out.
no issues

[dr. seuss]

that would depend on the graffic..my cowling graffic from iguana i used a soapy water type base then squeegeed out the bubbles..but i think what your gonna install will be the one shot one kill type

[flubyu]

I didn't used the saopy water, but I know a lot of people do.

[igs65]

The reason for a wet install is to keep from trapping air as well as allow minimal repositioning of the graphic. The larger the graphic, the more chance of trapping air, and if it goes on dry, those bubbles will not go away without physically having to remove them. It just makes for a much easier job on your end, and normally a better looking one as well.

[MET]

Thanks guys. Can I use the wet install method for Mercury Racing factory decals, or only certain types of decals?

I am petrified at the thought of putting decals on a new cowling and getting things to line up. On the 250xs, there is a stripe that goes all the way around the cowling and I have no idea how I am going to line all of this up. sure would be nice if you could order one with decals already applied.

Appreciate all of the responses.

Should I use water and a little dish soap? How much? Does it matter?

Any tips would be appreciated and thanks again for the help.

MET

[igs65]

You can use them on any decal, it is the preferred way to install. 2 drops of dish soap to 12oz water.Make sure no wax is on the cowl, clean with alcohol just prior to installing

[MET]

Thanks for all of the advice folks.

MET

[1999Champ186]

I re-did my factory decals as well. Take the decals with the backing still on and temporarily tape them to the cowl for a "dry fit". I used Frog Tape painters' tape because it didn't stick too much to the decal. After you have them on like you want take some masking tape (or a grease pencil) and mark the cowl in several places where the decals will line up. Do this with each decal. Then you can remove the "dry fitted" decals. The masking tape or grease pencil marks are still on the cowl. Take a spray bottle with water and a drop or two of dish soap and thoroughly spray the cowl area you plan to place the first decal. Now you are ready to peel the decal and place it on the cowl. Line it up with the masking tape or grease pen marks you placed on the cowl earlier. Don't get any of the grease pencil marks under your decal. Take your time and get them like you want them. The water and soap will allow you plenty of time to make adjustments. When you have it perfect, smooth the decal down pushing the bubbles to the outside. I used an old credit card to "squeegee" the decal in place. My decals turned out great. Aligned perfectly, no bubbles and stuck great.

[MET]

Champ,

Thanks for the advice. exactly what I will do. Hopefully mine will work out as well as yours.

I appreciate the responses from everyone!!