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Building Tips and technical articles. => Building techniques => Topic started by: Jerry Reider on January 28, 2009, 10:14:01 PM

Title: Applying Decals?
Post by: Jerry Reider on January 28, 2009, 10:14:01 PM
I am ready to put decals on my SIG Chipmunk.  The stars and the Pennzoil decals.  They are self adhesive, no water required, fuel proof decals.  Instructions say to hold them above the desired place where they go and put them on when they look positioned correctly.  That sounds like a prescription for crooked placement to me.  Can I put soapy water or something on the wing and squeegee the water out from them so I can slide them to the exact position that I want them?  Here's a picture of mine and one that is finished with the decals on it.  Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Randy Powell on January 29, 2009, 09:03:52 AM
Well, with those sort of decals, I usually peel just a little portion of the backing off and position the decal. Stick down the little portion of the adhesive back that was exposed, then peel the rest of the backing and stick the decal down.
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Randy Ryan on January 29, 2009, 09:08:18 AM
Well, with those sort of decals, I usually peel just a little portion of the backing off and position the decal. Stick down the little portion of the adhesive back that was exposed, then peel the rest of the backing and stick the decal down.

I do the same thing, but I trim off the backing of a small area amnd position the decal. Then I lift the other end to get the backing to start to peal and "squeegee" it down with a piece of cardboard to keep the bubble out. If you start on one side and work to the other, you can get them on without bubbles with a little practice.
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Don Curry AMA 267060 on January 29, 2009, 09:57:41 AM
You can also apply self adhesive decals with windex or soapy water. wet the surface and the back of the decal and lay them on the surface. when you are happy with the location use a credit card and squeeegythe water out from under the decal and blot dry. I would let it sit over night and the decals will be stuck solid.

Don
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Pinecone on January 30, 2009, 05:32:43 PM
I use the soapy water.  Get a spray bottle and add a few DROPS of dishwashing liquid.  Fill with water.

Spray model and back of decal. Apply and when you get it positions, I blot and rub with a paper towel. Then I squeegee with a squeegee for decals/window tinting.

If you need to stick it harder/faster while applying, lift and add a little denatured alcohol.
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Jim Snelson on January 30, 2009, 09:21:17 PM
I have instructions on installing decals on my web page. This is the address http://www.clcentral.com/Installation%20Instructions.asp Maybe this will help you.

Jim Snelson
www.clcentral.com
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Jerry Reider on January 30, 2009, 09:43:15 PM
Thanks guys.  I have half the decals on.  The soap and water method is working great.  I'll post a pic of it when it's done, possibly tomorrow.
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Jerry Reider on January 31, 2009, 04:46:26 PM
Finally, it's done.  I started building it in mid November.  4" of snow is on the ground yet.  It's gonna be a long time until spring.
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Jerry Reider on February 02, 2009, 07:47:20 AM
Finally, it's done.  I started building it in mid November.  4" of snow is on the ground yet.  It's gonna be a long time until spring.

Surprisingly, we were able to fly yesterday.  Temp. was in the high 40's but there was 6" of snow on the ground.  We shoveled an area long enough for a runway to take off.  The engines started easily and we had some great mid winter flights.  I was tempted but didn't take the Chipmunk up because of the short take off area and I didn't want to plop it down in the snow for a landing.  Not a good combination for a first flight.  Our landings amounted to stalling it right above the snow and dropping it in. It was great, we had a blast!  Got about 5 flights each.
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Randy Ryan on February 10, 2009, 07:39:07 PM
Real pretty Chippy there Jerry
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Steve Helmick on February 23, 2009, 08:19:22 PM
Yup, it looks real nice. Also looks like an OS LA...is it the .40 or .46? The .40 likes the Thunder Tiger 11x4.5 real well, and the .46 is extremely fond of the 11.5 x 4 APC. Not to say there aren't better props for either, but you won't like a stock Zinger, and it doesn't much matter what size the stock Zinger is. The Pro Zingers aren't much of an improvement, IMO. The APC's are homely, but not so bad at around 9,600 > 10,000 rpm for launch. They do give good line tension overhead.  H^^ Steve
Title: Re: Applying Decals?
Post by: Jerry Reider on February 23, 2009, 11:37:00 PM
Yup, it looks real nice. Also looks like an OS LA...is it the .40 or .46? The .40 likes the Thunder Tiger 11x4.5 real well, and the .46 is extremely fond of the 11.5 x 4 APC. Not to say there aren't better props for either, but you won't like a stock Zinger, and it doesn't much matter what size the stock Zinger is. The Pro Zingers aren't much of an improvement, IMO. The APC's are homely, but not so bad at around 9,600 > 10,000 rpm for launch. They do give good line tension overhead.  H^^ Steve

It's a .40LA.  Yes, it's a Zinger prop, I'm not too fond of them either.  I don't like their performance, I put it on because the break in for an LA .40 calls for an 11x5 and I would rather have it flying a bit slow for the first flight or so until I find out what's up with the way it flys.  Personally, I like the Master Airscrew props.  I like to fly fast and have plenty of power, and they seem to fit the bill for that.  Fast forward.....  I got to fly it and it needed some trimming and tail weight.  I added the tail weight and flew it, much improved.  Just tonite I added a trim tab under the inboard wing and made a slight aileron/elevator adjustment.  Actually, I'm glad you mentioned the Zinger prop, I forgot to change to a better prop.  It just doesn't have the pull when I'm doing manuevers with it.  I have to check what else I have in stock in 11x5's.  Never tried an APC.  I'll get one and try it.