how do i apply a sunstrip onto rally car?

[Robert Lambie]

do not apply the graphics before the strip is applied. even if you apply it perfect, it will either be in the wrong position when fitted to the windscreen as a windscreen gets narrower in the middle. if you can compensate for that, your next problem will be bubbles all around where you have applied the graphics on top of the sun strip.

do it in two applications, strip first then the graphics on top.

applying the graphics in house onto the vinyl before it is fitted shouldn’t be a problem. you are probably pulling the app tape away from the vinyl as opposed to dragging it "flat" off, and go slow.

[Phil Jones]

thanks will give it a go and let you know how i get on.

[Phil Jones]

Robert you seem to say 2 different things.

1. that it should be done in 2 applications and should not be attempted as one.

2. that it can be done as 1 application.
I tried dragging tha app tape flat and it still left bubbles and was still pulling the strip off the backing paper.

To do it as 1 appication is there anything i should be using i.e a certain app tape. and should i be doing it wet or dry?

I would much prefer to send it in as 1 sticker but it doesn’t look very likely at the moment. any suggestions on how to do it would be much appreciated.

[Peter Normington]

Phil,
to do a sunstrip with a logo, it is better as Rob says to apply the background first, but you can put the logo on, if you need to supply it as a one piece kit for the customer to apply (make 2 because you will get a request for a second one when the customer screws up!)

You should not be trying to remove the app tape unless applied to the finished substrata, window or whatever, application tape is just that, for applying, any vinyl that you stick it to should remain there, until applied, If you get my drift,
Sunstrips should never be done wet, unless the car is not going to be used for a few days,

Peter

[Phil Jones]

Sorry to sound dumb. so should i just leave the app tape on the logo and apply more onto the strip and they will both come off together when applied to the windscreen?

[David Rogers]

Quick set-by-step.

1) Mark using some tape (on ‘A’ pillars) the distance you want the strip to come down.
Accounting for the design you intend to use & sweep of the wipers.

2) Scrupulously clean glass & rubbers with meths then apply vinyl background. I do sunstrips wet, but then the vinyl I use gives good wet adhesion…but just tell them to go easy for a few days.

3) Trim up the vinyl on top & sides. (new scalpel blade) – And/or tuck 1 or 2mm under the rubber lip on some cars.

4) Apply 1st layer of design (dry if possible) & peel off the application tape (as Rob says) FLAT – ie. laid back on itself.

5) Apply other layers

DO NOT be tempted to get out with the heat gun!!

Well, it works for me.

[Peter Normington]

Personaly I would say do not be tempted to get out the spray bottle. But in this case the question is how to supply a sunstrip with logo for the client to apply, with the logo already in situ, please pay attention Dave 😀

Peter

[David Rogers]

quote Peter Normington:

…… please pay attention Dave 😀

Peter

Well, in that case 🙄 ….. just print the stupid things as there in no way in hell to apply a pre-assembled cut vinyl sunstrip decently :lol1: ….not if you want to make any money at it.

[Peter Normington]

Dave, this is a one off as part of an incomplete order.
Phill seems to be inexperienced (no offence phil) and is looking for advice.
I would pre assemble kits all day long if asked for a quantity,
All you need to do is pre-assemble with the graphic aligned to the bottom of the strip. and oversize so it fits most screens.

£25 a pop retail, material cost £2 max not bad if you can get the orders.
and you dont even need to apply, thats another story innit

Peter

[Phil Jones]

cheers for your help guys, you’re right peter i am inexperienced only been doing it about a month so got loads to learn yet.

[Kenny Ramsey]

I usually fit suntrips wet and always put the logo on seperate. Even if I’m sending one across the water I still send it in the different sections.

I usually find that by the time you have finished applying it, it is almost dry. So long as they don’t use the wipers within an hour or so. I never fit them when its wet or about to rain