A decal package gives the...
A decal package gives the car instant brand and driver recognition. It is obvious to even the casual race fan that the Shell car is driven by Kevin Harvick and owned by Richard Childress Racing. People are very visual creatures.
It has been said that the clothes make the man. While I would argue that point, your racecar is another matter. If you have a sponsor or are looking for one, the way your car looks is an important attribute. Perception is reality and that first impression is very difficult to overcome should you make a poor one.
Paint costs a good deal of money, and the physical wear and tear associated with racing on a short-track can make paint a very costly luxury. That's not to mention the time and infrastructure required to paint a car. Fortunately for the racing community, the vinyl lettering products available for small change at many sources all over the country can help your car look like a high-dollar professional racer.
While the cars at the highest levels of the sport have the luxury of using a full body decal, or "wrap," those at the Saturday night level may need to take a different path to looking good. With a simple paint scheme or possibly some vinyl graphics, you can create a very attractive, durable and easily repairable exterior of the car. The lettering can be changed and/or maintained easily as well with the use of vinyl lettering.
We will walk you through the process to demonstrate how simple vinyl application can be. The amount of tools required is quite minimal and can be obtained at most of the larger home improvement warehouses like Lowe's or Home Depot, and even Wal-Mart. Several razor blades, a small dry squeegee, a measuring tape and possibly some window cleaner, and you're ready to go to work.
You can make this as fancy or as simple as you like. Properly accomplished, it can make a drab car really "pop" on the track. Sponsors like cars that stand out. The look of your car or truck really can have an impact on the crowd, and with a little practice you can get the job accomplished quickly.It truly is amazing how the addition of vinyl decals can turn your car into a sponsor's dream.
The first step is to clean...
The first step is to clean the body surface and remove any dirt, grease or residue from any other decal. Then, as shown here, look at the layout and make sure the decal will fit the location you have selected.
Once you are satisfied the...
Once you are satisfied the decal will fit, use some painter's tape to hold it in position and free up both hands to work the decal. It also allows you to step back and get a better look.
Now it is time to measure...
Now it is time to measure the decal and make sure it is level. This is an often overlooked process step until it is too late. Remember-measure twice, stick once. This step takes about 30 seconds, so don't skimp on the details. It will have a very large impact on the final product.
Next, carefully remove the...
Next, carefully remove the backing from the decal; this will reveal the sticky side. Take your time and remove the backing slowly so you will not upset the layout of the decal. This is no time to hurry.
With the backing pulled away...
With the backing pulled away from the decal, retrieve the razor blade you set aside earlier.
Use the razor blade to cut...
Use the razor blade to cut away the backing you peeled away. Use care with the razor and cut away only the backing, making sure to not cut the decal. Again, do not hurry.
Now, carefully straighten...
Now, carefully straighten the decal and lay it against the body. Make sure you have removed the slack as you are laying it against the body. Using your hand, smooth out the decal, removing any wrinkles by firmly but gently smoothing the surface.
Press it smooth with the flat...
Press it smooth with the flat of your hand.
Now, using the dry squeegee,...
Now, using the dry squeegee, smooth the surface of the decal until there are no wrinkles. Continuing to use the squeegee, firmly press each letter onto the surface of the body. This is an important step as it forces all of the air bubbles from underneath the decal.
Remove the painter's tape...
Remove the painter's tape and remove the remainder of the backing from the decal. Again, use care to avoid removing any of the decal from the cover sheet.
Smooth the surface of the...
Smooth the surface of the decal as you gradually lay it over the body, working from the center toward the ends. Use your hands to smooth and work out any wrinkles that may have formed while you were laying it out. Use the dry squeegee to work the decal in and remove any air bubbles.
Remove the cover sheet from...
Remove the cover sheet from the decal, working slowly from right to left or left to right, whatever is more comfortable, and using great care to not damage the decal as you remove the cover sheet.
Keep the cover sheet pulled...
Keep the cover sheet pulled back at a very severe angle to the decal to keep from pulling the decal from the body.
The finished product looks...
The finished product looks great-just like a professional job using paint. This product has revolutionized racecar lettering. For as little as $100 you can change the appearance of your racecar or truck.