Decal Installation Instructions

How to Install your Donzi OEM Decals

Preparation: If you are replacing old hullside decals, you may notice a “shadow” outline of the old decal in the gelcoat. You will want to remove this via rubbing compound or polishing compound or wet-sanding and then polishing, as there is no guarantee your new decal will completely cover the shadow. If you have any questions regarding your gelcoat finish, please consult a qualified local fiberglass repair shop. Once you are ready to apply the new decals, pre-
wash the application area using either soap and water, or a 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. After cleaning with soapy water, rinse completely until no soap or residue remains. You’ll want a clean, dust-free surface to apply your decals.

Environmental Conditions: For best results, apply your decals in a shaded area away from direct sunlight. When possible, you should apply decals when the temperature is above 50F and below 90F. Avoid applying decals in strong wind or dusty areas.

Transfer Tape Prep: Most of our decals come to you sandwiched between the backing paper on the bottom, and a layer of transfer tape on top. The transfer tape protects the decal during shipping and application, and greatly helps with the application process. Before applying the decal, make sure the transfer tape and decal are firmly pressed together. Do this by placing the decal on a smooth, flat surface, and gently applying pressure evenly across the transfer tape
with a squeegee or plastic card. This helps to assure that the decal does not stick to the backing paper during installation.

Dry Application: Masking tape can help to ensure that your decal is positioned exactly where you want it. Leaving the white backing paper in place and facing the surface you’re applying it to position the decal where you want it to go. Place a piece of masking tape along the top edge of the decal to fix it in the desired location. Then, lift the decal as if it is on a hinge, and peel off the backing paper. While holding onto the bottom edge, slowly lower the decal, using the thumb of your other hand to press from the center out, gradually working your way from top to bottom, proceeding slowly to avoid air bubbles.

Wet Application: Most of our smaller decals may be applied without using water, but for larger decals, we recommend wet application. After cleaning your application surface, wet the area again using a spray bottle and a solution of approximately 95% water and 5% soap. Apply the decal while the area is still wet. This will prevent it from adhering immediately and give you time to reposition it if required. This also allows you to remove any air bubbles using a
squeegee or plastic card (credit card, etc.) The soapy water will dry in a few minutes, leaving your decal firmly affixed.

Transfer Tape Removal: Once your decal has been applied via the wet application method, leave the transfer tape in place for at least three hours and up to 24 hours before gently removing it, taking care to avoid accidentally lifting corners of the decal along with it.

Bubbles: While you will want to proceed slowly and carefully to avoid getting bubbles beneath the decal and the boat’s gelcoat, if you inadvertently wind up with a few small bubbles beneath, they will usually disappear when left in strong direct sunlight.