Easy full vinyl sideart application

AlienSyndrome

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Well easy and easy, but so far the best way I have found. After placement, I use a shipping tube to keep the curl in the artwork. It helps keep it from falling back on itself, causing wrinkles and creases etc that sometimes can't be massaged out. The backing just runs underneath the tube as you move up the cabinet. I use a lint free cloth, same as to clean your glasses with and gently move back and forth as I release the backing by pulling it towards the direction I'm moving. I just go an inch at a time. If something is weird I can gently peel back and correct. I also keep a weight on the side art portion to keep it from sliding off which can cause a bad wrinkle etc. So far every application is perfect. I did experiment with the wet method, using tac spray . Yes it would be perfect, but after a couple of hours I would discover water bubbles underneath. Microscopic water molecules will begin to pool and thus you have to use a needle and hope to release them. So I'm just sticking with what works for me and apply dry. Hope this info helps, I'm sure many others have figured it out too.
 

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Thanks for sharing, I have used the wet method and live with the bubbles
 
I used to use the wet method. I found that the dry method adheres a lot better. The side art that I applied in the past with the wet method can be peeled off fairly easily. The dry method sticks so well it would have to be torn off.
 
I have done the wet method using soapy water and a roller. Never had issues with bubbles. Always use a hair dryer after application to get it nice and stuck! Done that with all my side art the last 10 machines i have done. I can do a pacman cab side and front art in about 30 minutes total. After doing the dry method, i always had bubbles no matter how slow i was, so using the wet mdthod has been the best way for me. Everyone has their favorite, and i say, stick with what works best for you! Either way works, as long as in the end it turns out the way you want it too!
 
I have done the wet method using soapy water and a roller. Never had issues with bubbles. Always use a hair dryer after application to get it nice and stuck! Done that with all my side art the last 10 machines i have done. I can do a pacman cab side and front art in about 30 minutes total. After doing the dry method, i always had bubbles no matter how slow i was, so using the wet mdthod has been the best way for me. Everyone has their favorite, and i say, stick with what works best for you! Either way works, as long as in the end it turns out the way you want it too!

Never thought about using a hair dryer. Good idea :)

I can do a cab with the dry method in less time, not having to squeegee out water saves a lot of time. Of course I have a helper, easy to do with 2 people. Never had bubbles. My helper holds the vinyl up as I lay it down with a a terry cloth.

But as you say, do what's easiest/best for you :)
 
Another method if you are working by yourself while applying a large piece of vinyl is to use a long ruler to attach to the very end of the vinyl that has the backing already peeled off. You hold the ruler in one hand and then squeegee with the other. That way you don't have to have somebody holding the end of the vinyl.
 
Spraying liquid on a particle board cabinet, even if painted/primered, is probably not a good idea... I've only applied dry.
 
All of you are wrong.
You apply it by running at it with a blindfold...looks like this...
 

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Apply all of mine dry. then use a heat gun to wrap the edges around the t-molding slot. has worked very well for me over the years. 10+
 
I just wish the black vinyl for the back/top was just as easy. Maybe the stuff I bought was crapola, but man that stuff is a PITA wet or dry.
 
What also helps is if the person who printed out your side-art printed it on the higher quality vinyl which includes air channel to help prevent bubbles. When I was restoring my SF2 HS-5 cabinet, I used the 3M vinyl stuff and applied it dry. Went on very easy and is super tough. Had I painted the cabinet, it'd have taken me a few weeks. With the vinyl, I was done in a day.
 
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