Windshield Banner installation

[edunn14]

Hi everyone,

I have a Ford Performance windshield banner to install. It will be installed in a garage out of the elements, but I will not have a second pair of hands to assist me for a while and I would like to get it done.

I've seen two methods online - "dry" where you tape it up and do sections at a time, or "wet" with a solution that is squeegee'd out for placement.

Looking for insights on personal experiences on (1) how easy or difficult it is with one person, and (2) which method has been more successful in the learned experience of esteemed 6g forum members.

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[Jeffola]

first of all be thankful the car is low to the ground, my trucks were always more challenging.

both methods have their ups and downs. Dry install requires you really work the decal whole. You can tape it in place (Pro-tip, cut the backing paper between two letters in the middle). Tape it in place and work one side at a time. Work from the middle out one side at a time. the tape you placed to hold it in place will do just that.

A wet install requires you make a solution of water, soap and a little alcohol (Real, not Jack or Titos) and have some patience. Lightly spray the back of the graphic once peeled off the backing, spray the windshield and place your graphic. Once again, working from the middle, using a squeeze work out the liquid and the bubbles. you can keep squeeging(?) until the graphic no longer slides and slowly peel the paper away. When you start the peel, fold the paper over the graphic and you pull, the 180 degree angle helps release the vinyl from the transfer paper. If you are in SW FL, I'd be happy to help.

 

[MAGS1]

I did the dry method, which is what I believe FP recommends for the install. I did the install solo, taped it down on the windshield using Frog tape. As mentioned in the post above, cut the backing paper between Ford and Performance, that will help since it’s so wide. That will allow you to work from each end towards the middle. Just take your time, once it’s on, there’s no turning back. The adhesive grabs pretty quickly

 

[SHOdaddy68]

I've done lot's of graphics and related adhesive labels and some PPF. I prefer the "wet" method because you can adjust the position of the sticker and it's much easier to get all the bubbles out. (I hate bubbles). It's much easier if you're doing this solo. Either way, make sure the surface is is super clean before you start. If you don't have any sticker fluid, a can of glass cleaner works too.

 

[edunn14]

I've done lot's of graphics and related adhesive labels and some PPF. I prefer the "wet" method because you can adjust the position of the sticker and it's much easier to get all the bubbles out. (I hate bubbles). It's much easier if you're doing this solo. Either way, make sure the surface is is super clean before you start. If you don't have any sticker fluid, a can of glass cleaner works too.

If I were to do the wet method, would you think a spray bottle of stoners invisible glass would suffice? Or make the mix of water/alcohol?

 

[MAGS1]

If I were to do the wet method, would you think a spray bottle of stoners invisible glass would suffice? Or make the mix of water/alcohol?

Can get a small bottle of tack solution. I’m sure Amazon has something. A friend of mine bought an Expel PPF repair kit and it came with a small bottle which he gave to me. I’ve used it to help some buddies with vinyl applications, it works well

 

[SHOdaddy68]

If I were to do the wet method, would you think a spray bottle of stoners invisible glass would suffice? Or make the mix of water/alcohol?

I am not familiar with that product. At my shop we use a product made by "Rapid Tac" (www.rapidtac.com). A cheap spray can of glass cleaner works fine. You can also make the fluid with water, a few drops of dish soap and a few drops of alcohol in a spray bottle.

If you don't have a hard plastic squeegee, a smooth credit car is an OK substitute.

 

[edunn14]

Here goes nothing!

 

[edunn14]

I'm calling this a success thank you all for the help. RapidTac was an excellent product. I followed those instructions instead, worked great!

 

[MAGS1]

Looks great!

 

[MAGS1]

I’m partial to the red and white banner myself

 

[edunn14]

I’m partial to the red and white banner myself

It looks good on every model from top to bottom. Love it.

The Shelby banner was a somewhat close second, but the red in this one is just too good to pass up. Especially on our blues

 

[Teej1911]

The banners look sooo good with the blue! I know I’m late to the party, but I have some pictures while putting it on ‘dry’ 5 years ago. In case anyone is looking to do this in the future and finds this thread, here ya go! And for what it’s worth, the decal has held up really well with very minor peeling from the windshield wiper path.

 

[edunn14]

The banners look sooo good with the blue! I know I’m late to the party, but I have some pictures while putting it on ‘dry’ 5 years ago. In case anyone is looking to do this in the future and finds this thread, here ya go! And for what it’s worth, the decal has held up really well with very minor peeling from the windshield wiper path.

You know I was JUST thinking about the wipers. I'm in FL so I can never say "I won't need them this drive/today"

How long did you wait before getting it out in the elements/using wipers on it for the first time if you recall?

 

[Teej1911]

You know I was JUST thinking about the wipers. I'm in FL so I can never say "I won't need them this drive/today"

How long did you wait before getting it out in the elements/using wipers on it for the first time if you recall?

I’m in FL too, South FL, so I know what you mean! I don’t remember how long before pulling her out into the elements, but I put it on the dry way so I honestly didn’t even think of letting it cure, or sit.

The only ‘ugh’ I’ve experienced is driving in a torrential downpour for an hour or so and the decal picked up some black streaks from the wiper. Decal held up like a champ, and the streaks came right off with the next wash.

Also, I treat all the glass with RainX and I pretend the decal isn’t even there. No discoloring or deterioration detected! The FP decal has actually surprised me with how hardy it is. Now go out and enjoy showin it off!

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