[aussiesteve]

I have never really bothered with installing graphics on planes before. Whenever I have done, I have had the guy who does my covering work do them for me when he does the covering. So consider me a "dumbass Newbie" when it comes to them.

I have just received the graphics package from B & E for a 50% Hempel Yak (Layout below) and I want to make sure they go on right.

My understanding is that I should do this in the following order

1. Finish the assembly of the plane first to avoid "Hanger rash" during that process.
2. Iron (or heat gun) any wrinkles out of the covering.
3. Decide the exact location for each graphic and ensure that area is clean (use Windex?)
4. Spray a light layer of Windex where I want the graphic located (because of shipping issues, I couldn't get the spray B & E sells to here)
5. Remove the backing paper from the graphic
6. Start at one end of the graphic and use a credit card (the wifes one is best) to remove wrinkles or air bubbles as I go
7. Remove the top covering from the graphic.

For the "BH" graphic on the rudder, it goes across the hinge line. Would you install the graphic in one piece first then cut it at the hinge area?

Ok - over to you guys.

BTW - B & E are a great bunch of guys to deal with and their service is fast. I wasn't expecting to see these for a couple more weeks yet.

[chumley]

If you have some graphics laying around that are expendable you should practice on something else first. Your list looks pretty good but I go for a heavier spraying of windex as you really don't want the graphic to adhere to the wrong location. A heavier coat of windex will let you slide the graphic around until you get it right where you want it. I also prefer a balsa stick to squeegee the windex to prevent scratching or tearing the grahics. When the graphic is right where you want it, start in the middle of the graphic and start removing the windex and air bubbles from under the graphic. Once all the air/windex is out (it will take a few attempts separated by 15-20 minutes each) let the graphic set up for an hour or so then remove the transfer layer. The graphic will take a day or so to permanently bond to the surface.

[fullspool]

I use windex but add alcohol to the mix or you can buy this product as it works great! RapidTac - Application Fluid - 30 oz w/sprayer - Sign Supplies and Equipment
Did you get the air release vinyl or oracle 651? Check out my build thread, you can see how I applied the vinyl along with using a laser to line up vinyl on each wing.
http://www.teamflyingcircus.com/forum/f44/50cc-msxr-6054/

[aussiesteve]

Thanks for the tips so far guys

I did forget to add that I also got some smaller graphics from them that are going on my other planes. I will be doing those first.

Yes, I got them in the Air Release.

[fullspool]

Air release is much easier to install as you have alot less chance of bubbles. Take your time and measure correctly and you will be fine.

[BarracudaHockey]

Get the graphic, with backing, down where you want it and run some painters tape down from the top to the bottom with the painters tape line centered vertically through the graphic. If its big, put another line to the left of center to make sure it stays put and doesn't rotate.

Lift up the right side of the graphic and peel the backing, when you get to the tape line cut the backing off with a pair of scissors.

Start from the center line and apply the graphic to the wing working towards the right outer edge.

Remove the tape, lift the left edge of the backed portion of the graphic, peel the backing, start at the center and apply it out to the other outer edge.

When you get the whole graphic burnished down, remove the transfer tape

[Dadstoysbg]

The only thing I would add is lets them sit for a couple of days to make sure they are tried completely. I have tried to rush it and gotten bubbles in them. If you do get bubbles use a very fine needle to punch a whole in the bubble and press down. Dennis

[Tired Old Man]

This is essentially the same process used when using layers of film covering to finish out a plane. The trick is getting as much of the "solvent" out from under the graphics before going any further. I prefer to let the top layer, or graphics in this case, sit undisturbed for a day or so before removing the backing paper. The stuff is a stiff lift and if things have not dried adequately between the graphics and the covering you'll end up pulling the graphics with the backing and have to start all over again. I've been known to use a low heat setting on a heat gun to assure graphics have been fully "set" after everything is on a plane.

I also use the low tack painters tape to lay things out. Helps keep sizes in perspective too.

[Bryant330l]

Steve, these guys are giving you great advice. If you haven't visited the install section on our website you can find it here.

Help for Rc Graphics and Decals - B and E Graphix

Look forward to your finished pictures. It is going to look great!

[aussiesteve]

Thanks guys.
As expected, TFC is full of awesome people who give good advice.

I expect to install the graphics this week or next weekend. We have got a few 40 degree (That's Celcius - about 105 deg F) days coming up at the end of this week. I think it will be a perfect time to stay in the shed doing some building

Aircon on - Check
Fridge full of (alcoholic and non alcoholic) refreshments - check
Sound system tuned - check
Ready to go.