how long can i wait before applying vinyl to vehicle?

[John Childs]

Ideally a week.

But, of course, we never get that much time, so I always make a point of telling the customer that we will not be responsible for bubbles caused by outgassing.

[Peter Mindham]

Or pulling paint off if repositioning

Peter

[Ian Bingham]

Depends what it has been painted with

Celly, 2 pac or Dulux

Air dry or baked?

Ian

[Gwaredd Steele]

We usually specify a very minimum of 24 hours, but much preferably 48 hours. Never pulled paint off in my life, but have had hideous bubbling caused by out gassing.

[Karl Williams]

quote John Childs:

Ideally a week.

But, of course, we never get that much time, so I always make a point of telling the customer that we will not be responsible for bubbles caused by outgassing.

Ditto!

[Lee Ballard]

Odd this I have a car to do Saturday that’s being baked today. Only advantage is the graphics that go on it on Saturday only need to look good Sunday after that I have time to get the rest on and replace any that have suffered due to gas in a week or two.

[Ian Bingham]

Problems Ive had is if its still slightly soft, when removing the app tape it can leave an orange peel effect on the paint! this has happened after 3 days of drying, although done some next day and its fine
always do the thumb nail test!

Ian

[John Gregson]

coincidence, i’ve also got a freshly painted vehicle to do. Customer can’t wait so have informed him of the problem with bubbles due to outgassing. Not bothered he said :lol1:

[Arthur Raynor]

quote John Childs:

Ideally a week.

But, of course, we never get that much time, so I always make a point of telling the customer that we will not be responsible for bubbles caused by outgassing.

Thanks everyone.
Good advice.
I will wait a week. It is only a small "Gas Only" lettering to go on the inside of the petrol cap cover and a four letter initial for the side of the vehicle to match the other side I completed a few months ago.
They can wait.

[John Childs]

quote John Gregson:

have informed him of the problem with bubbles due to outgassing. Not bothered he said :lol1:

Trouble is John, that they all say that. Until it happens.

Then they’re on the phone wanting to know what YOU are going to do about it. 🙁

[Jill Marie Welsh]

Two weeks minimum no matter what.
If paint pulls off when I have to re-apply a screw up, or if masking tape pulls up the paint, it’s me that would have to pay for repairs.
If it is a customer applied paint job I’ll wait even longer and also tell them I am not responsible if the paint comes off when I remove tape, etc.
Where I live it is common for people to repaint their vehicles with a can of Rustoleum and a cheap brush or spray paint, not a professional job.
Love….Jill

[Sean Cully]

If the vehicle has been painted with synthetic two weeks as this stuff never properly dries.
If it has been painted in 2 pack make sure that it has been properly cured (baked in an oven) I have had loads of problems with 2 pack paint not been baked properly as the solvents keep coming out if not cured properly and this creates bubbles in the vinyl after a few days.

SC