Stone Guard Application Tips?
03-03-2007, 04:05 PM
#1
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Stone Guard Application Tips?
When installing the new stone guards, any tips on how to get them positioned correctly -- I fear I'll end up with bubbles or that one end will stick tight before the rest of it is properly positioned, etc. I saw someone suggest wetting the paint with water/alcolhol so it can slide around before squeegee-ing down permenently. Can anyone vouch for that or offer other tips?
03-03-2007, 04:28 PM
#2
Three Wheelin'
Yes, pre position them with 3/4" masking tape on either end of the stone guard. Then once you find exactly where you want it positioned you want to tape the flatest side with the 3/4" masking tape along that edge. You will creating a hinge with the tape so half the tape will be on the carside the other half will be on the stone guard. If done correctly you can pull the stone guard towards you and peel the paper back. You can get crazy and use soapy water in a spray bottle or do a dry run. If you have a rubber or plastic squeedge your gold Jerry...gold! Good luck!
03-03-2007, 05:07 PM
#3
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I forget what the mixture is, but if you do something like 50% water 50% rubbing alcohol (or is it soap?) it will let you slide the sticker around a little to make sure you have it in the correct place, as well as smooth any bubbles out from under the gaurd. Also make sure the paint is extremely clean before applying.
If you do end up with any bubbles, you can stick them with a pin to try to get the air out.
If you do end up with any bubbles, you can stick them with a pin to try to get the air out.
03-03-2007, 05:41 PM
#4
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Just a few drops of dish soap with the 50/50 mix. I've applied all kinds of crap to my cars (tasteful numbers, blackouts, web addresses, no dragons or Japanese symbols).
The soap lets you move the vinyl somewhat but get it right- there's not much room to maneuver. The squeegee inside out.
The soap lets you move the vinyl somewhat but get it right- there's not much room to maneuver. The squeegee inside out.
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03-04-2007, 11:01 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
For the 4 skinny pieces behind the wheel wells, it's actually pretty easy to put them on dry. I use a damp towel to smooth as I go to make sure that I don't end up with any bubbles. While you can theoretically poke holes in any bubbles with a pin and smooth them out, they will still show in my experience. Be care not to stretch the stoneguard as you apply it -- just lay it on and smooth as you go.
The large stone guards in front of the rear wheels are a bit of a challenge. Do these after you get some experience with the thin pieces. I also put these on dry because I find it easier, but a pro would definitely use solution. Again, go very slowly and smooth carefully as you go without tugging or stretching as you apply the decal. They are all fairly easy to position -- the hard part is not leaving fingerprints on the underside or very noticeable air bubbles. Don't be bummed out if you need to reorder a piece or two to get it as nice as you want it.
The large stone guards in front of the rear wheels are a bit of a challenge. Do these after you get some experience with the thin pieces. I also put these on dry because I find it easier, but a pro would definitely use solution. Again, go very slowly and smooth carefully as you go without tugging or stretching as you apply the decal. They are all fairly easy to position -- the hard part is not leaving fingerprints on the underside or very noticeable air bubbles. Don't be bummed out if you need to reorder a piece or two to get it as nice as you want it.
05-03-2007, 05:23 PM
#10
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Use the mixture, spray it on the car via a spray bottle. Then, spray your hands/fingers before grabbing the new stone guard. Keeps finger prints off the stickey because they will be wet! Worked for me.
Also, when you put the guards on, get as many bubbles out as possible, but don't worry. Small bubbles will go away by themselves in a few days!
Also, when you put the guards on, get as many bubbles out as possible, but don't worry. Small bubbles will go away by themselves in a few days!
05-03-2007, 05:43 PM
#11
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I purchased a set of stone guards but can never decide if I really want to put them back on the car. One its a pain in the *** and im scared ill mess something up and two I like the look without them...
05-03-2007, 09:03 PM
#13
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Do you guys mix the water and alcohol and then add soap? I do alot of decals for work, and use pure alcohol to clean the surface, and then use soapy water to apply the new decal. Never heard of mixing water and alcohol though... What's that for? Since the alcohol dissolves old adhesive, I wouldnt think you'd want to be in the mix on the new adhesive.
05-03-2007, 11:42 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by ekeeton
Make sure your fingers are scrupulously clean or you may end up with fingerprint smudges underneath the vinyl.