How do you handle vinyl decals while applying them. How do you position them without making a mess. I want to make some large sun- burst decals and apply them to a wing. What are the tricks?

Read [link=http://www.top-flite.com/reviews/trimgraphics.html]AnnMarie's article[/link]. You are using vinyl, so the part about trim solvent won't be relevant, but I think the frisket paper might be useful. I've tried it myself, and the only thing to watch for is that it's stickier than you think. The idea is that it sticks enough to hold your design together, but not so much you can't peel it off. When I explained the problem to my graphic artist friend, he said that all artists know that you have to slap the frisket, glue-side, against your jeans until it is the right tackiness.

Instead of vynal, why not use waterslide decals ? Print them out on your inkjet, let dry, clear coat and apply. Bel Decal sells the paper in both clear and white background.

go to a sign shop and get some transfer paper.

I got some (I think) vinyl from my LHS and I sprayed windex on the wing, peeled the backing off, positioned the vinyl, squeeged out the windex, let sit overnight.
Worked like a charm.
KW_Counter

I used a drop of soap with some water for my large ones.

I put vinyl graphics from RotorGraphics on my helicopter canopy. They recommend using 70% isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to wet the vinyl for positioning. Put it in a spray bottle, wet and apply. It worked great and dried fast.

Here is a link to their website. Click on TIPZ on the left side of the page.

http://www.rotorgraphics.com/

WARNING: I have not tried this when applying to iron on covering.

Eric

Put in a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a spray bottle filled with water. The more soap, the more time you have to position the decal, but not too much ! Spray that soap water onto the surface you are applying to. Peel off the backing of the decal. Place the decal on the soapy surface and position it exactly how you want it. Use a sheet of silicone rubber and squezee the soap water in the outward direction. If the soap water dries off before you can get things right, just carefully lift off the decal and respray. Try with scraps first until you get a feel for it.

I want to know if you have a special computer program to make your oun decals , please let me know