Sometimes, installing your first sticker maybe daunting, but with our MRN products, and some helpful tricks to boost your confidence - you'll be fitting up the entire scrutineering line with decals.
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Did you know!
You may get given a decal with application tape. Referred as app tape, it's typically used to keep separated vinyl together. For example, a Drivers' Name. Other decals may not require the app tape.
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Some tips!
Placement. This one is up for debate, but rule of thumb is:
- Race numbers - located upper most front section of the front doors. For aesthetics, angle the number panel along the natural lines of the car. Works for most other graphics too!
- Windscreen banners, measuring from the centre point of windshield, the total height is around 120mm +/- (street car) to 240mm +/- (race car). Use masking tape to hold into position, then inspect from afar back and also in the cockpit, adjust height accordingly.
Tools needed.
- You'd preferably want a squeegee, extra points if it's felt tip. At last resort, use a credit card wrapped in a microfibre cloth
- Scissors, or preferably a 30-degree safety knife (make sure it's new and sharp).
- Masking tape, or magnets
- Surface cleaner, either Isopropyl Alcohol or Avery Surface Cleaner. Don't use Glass Cleaner.
Cleaning the surface. Don't skip this step. After washing your car, avoid using any waxes. Using a clean microfibre towel and your cleaner, thoroughly spray the outer panel and wipe clean, twice! Do so again behind all door jams, body gaps, under rubber moulds, and all. Anywhere within 200mm of your installation area.
Applying your decal
Step 1: Secure decal into place
Find a desired spot on your panel for install and secure your number panel into place with masking tape. Do so - by running a long strip of tape, with 2-3 inches overhang either side. This is called the Hinge method.
Take 10-15 steps backward, and confirm the sticker flows with the car's natural lines. Do this on both sides before proceeding to step 2. Use a tape measure for consistent results.
Step 2: Cutting the backing sheet
Now onto step 2, once the decal is locked in you will peel 1 to 2 inches of vinyl off the top section of backing sheet, exposing the adhesive side. Be careful, to cut away only the backing sheet that is exposed and above the hinge point.
Step 3: Begin to squeegee
Your first stroke of a squeegee will now be required. The pressure required is the same pressure of feeling for a heartbeat on your wrist and hold the squeegee at a 45-degree angle. With the exposed top section of vinyl, and with overlapping strokes, apply left and right upwards until the top edge has been laid down.
After doing so, now remove your masking tape hinge and prepare to work downwards.
Step 4: Continue to squeegee down
As you now are ready to being overlap squeegee'ing downwards, you will need to begin to peel the backing sheet to expose the adhesive. Do this is intervals of 3 inches at a time, until you reach the very bottom edge.
Step 5: Go and race
Congratulations - your basically a car wrapper now! After installing the remaining decals from your MRN order pack, you're now ready to start trophy hunting. We look forward to seeing your race car on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok - don't forget to tag us.
Race fast,
Troy Seven #25
Magnet Race Numbers.