Body wraps

[Crewzin]

Im going to try a couple body wraps on my cars. I have printed on decal paper. Do I need to seal the grain on the block with a clear or primer or can I just apply to the wood. If I apply to the wood direct what grain paper do I sand down to.

 

[Quicktimederby]

Never used a warp made on decal paper. The wraps that I use are vinyl and you don't have to seal anything with them.

 

[5js]

I have never applied directly to the wood - I prime then paint the car white and apply the waterslide decal over white paint. One thing to remember when using waterslides - printer's don't print white - and the waterslide is translucent - so a plain white background seems to work best -

 

[Crewzin]

Thanks for the tips.. Great pictures of your cars 5J.. They look great. Ill give it a try. Ive been messing with monokote a little but I like the ability to design with the waterslides. What adhesives are best when going with a teflon washer, and do you need to trim back waterslide to achieve good adhesion

 

[5js]

Adhesives for the teflon washer - I float my washer, i.e. no glue, I just make sure the teflon washer is tight on the axle so that it stays where I put it. Other may weigh in on other methods.

Trimming back waterslide - if you are just putting on the flat surface - cut to fit, if you are running over the edges you will need to make scores in the waterslide at the four corners - and it will lay pretty good. Sometimes I press the waterslide in as the first clear coat get tacky. Press it in real nice then sand with some real fine sandpaper (1000 or finer). Then your second coat of clear will seal the corners/edges.

It's pretty simple once you do a couple. I always print an extra waterslide or two in case one rips - the more you do the less mistakes you'll make. The good thing about waterslides is if you are not happy with the way it's going or if you tear - just pull it off - throw away - and try again