"Dry Method" tool?

Altan

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What's the best tool to use when doing new side art with the dry method?

I'm referring to the tool that is used to press down the art and remove little air bubbles.

Is it a putty knife? I'd be worried it should scratch the artwork.

... Altan
 
I hear poking a hole with a really small needle and then pushing the air out works. Supposedly, it's unnoticeable afterwards, but I've never had to do it.

EDIT: Sorry, I thought you meant removing bubbles after you have applied the art. I just use a bondo squeegee when applying it. Works great. Just don't press down hard enough where you risk scraping the art.
 
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A j-roller is VERY useful for this, and as far as I'm concerned, a must have in the toolbox for a game restorer. It's also awesome for applying pre-cut stencils.

I got mine at Lowes.

j-roller-lg.jpg
 
A paper towel to apply and a roller to press down after application
 
And you can get them at any hardware/auto parts/paint store. These are very similar to what sign companies call a "decal applicator".

unless the vinyl is masked, this is a bad idea. I believe he's vinylling a system 1 cab with matte black vinyl.. use a paper towel and hand pressure to apply, not anything plastic.
 
I use a plastic wall paper tool called the Wall Wiz 3-1, and to reduce the friction, I have covered the edges in painters tape, just used it to apply both sides of Missle Command and not a bubble to be found.


Thanks
Greg

PS: I bought mine at Lowes
 
what's the best tool to use when doing new side art with the dry method?

I'm referring to the tool that is used to press down the art and remove little air bubbles.

Is it a putty knife? I'd be worried it should scratch the artwork.

... Altan

flexible plastic auto body filler spreader aka bondo spreader IF and only IF the sideart has the protective white layer on top that you remove later.

On bare art with no protection, the palm of your hand is about all you can use safely. start fromt he top and slowly remove the backing, stopping about each 1/2" to run your palm across the artwork a few times in the same area that just had the backing removed.. if that makes sense.
 
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I use a wallpaper tool with some adhesive backed felt on the end that will touch the art.
 
I use the wet method. So much more forgiving if your a klutz like me. And it comes out just fine.
 
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