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Application; Plomb Tools; L.A., Calif. WW II era decal for Vintage Restoration
Brand; Plomb, later Proto
Model; Tool box label
Size; 4 3/4" x 1 1/2"
Color; Blue, Red, Yellow & White; 2 decals
Vintage; 1943
Custom orders
The art department is able to design customer orders. Please contact me so we can discuss your needs.
Why vinyl?
We use high quality aviation grade vinyl and Mylar. The decals are super thin and super tough. No decal is fuel proof, but ours will take more abuse than most. I have been asked why vinyl and Mylar? Our answer is, use the best material available at the lowest cost. Our decals are American made for
your restoration projects. Large quantities must be ordered when using water slide decals. The water slide decals have a shorter shelf life. Ever tried to use an old water slide, only to have it crumble as you go to slide it off?! Our vinyl decals, produced here in Oregon, are manufactured in small quantities and are always fresh.
Digital Reproduction
When processing our decals, we separate all the colors and redraw the images individually giving them very clean lines; sometimes almost too clean. Things like registry errors in original decals need to be built back in to give them an authentic look on the finished restoration. With 3700 possible color combinations, we strive to reproduce our decals flawlessly.
How to apply
It is best to apply a decal to a clean, newly painted surface. Allow the paint to dry and cure properly. When ready to apply the decals, have the following equipment close by:
1. a squeegee, 2. wide masking tape, 3. small level, 4. ruler, 5. a sharp straight pin or needle, 6. application spray, make your own from a spray bottle of water and a few drops Dawn dish detergent.
Cleaning Procedures
The recommended procedures in decontaminating and preparing the surface prior to any vinyl product installation are as follows; All surfaces are contaminated, to some degree. To ensure good adhesion to any engine or painted surface, it is critical to follow these steps; 1. Wash and rinse the area with liquid dish detergent and warm water. DO NOT use Windex or other ammonia-based cleaners; the ammonia interferes with the adhesive. Then dry the surface with a clean, lint-free towel or cloth. 2. Finish up the cleaning process by wiping down the entire area with Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol). To avoid re contamination during the final cleaning step, wipe the surface in just one direction, using a clean, lint-free towel or cloth. You are now ready to apply the vinyl.
Temperature Recommendations
Surface temperatures should be between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit before attempting the installation. As a general rule, if the surface is hot to the touch it's over 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Adhesive becomes brittle when it gets too cold and gummy when it gets too hot. Applications outside the recommended range of 50 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit reduce the adhesives ability to perform.
Application Procedures
You can choose to apply vinyl in one of two ways; dry or wet. Applying vinyl decals dry does not allow for any mistakes. Once the vinyl touches the surface, there is no removal without damage. However, applying vinyl decals with application spray allows you the opportunity to remove and reposition vinyl, as needed, for several minutes. For obvious reasons, this method is recommended for both beginners and experts. Spray the surface thoroughly. Lay the vinyl on a flat surface and spray the adhesive side as you remove the backing. An extra set of hands is a good idea. Then simply apply the vinyl to the surface.
Masking tape helps you apply the decal, keeping fingers from touching the adhesive side. Before removing backing, lay a strip of masking tape over the printed side of the decal at the top, bottom or center of decal, leaving two inches past the decal on each end. Use the two exposed ends of tape to maneuver the decal into the correct position before applying pressure to start the permanent decal installation. Once the decal is in place, gently remove the tape.
Do not excessively stretch vinyl during the application. This is the main cause of end lift or corners lifting. Pull the vinyl only as taut as necessary to keep a straight line. Because vinyl is a pressure-sensitive product, a squeegee should be used for all installations. The purpose of using a squeegee is to remove the excess fluid and/or air from behind the vinyl. You should always start the squeegee from the middle in a straight up or down motion. Allow the
vinyl to set for 5 to 15 minutes. When removing the masking tape, always pull it slowly, back onto itself, at a 180-degree angle. If the masking tape does not release easily, use a hair dryer and lightly pass over the tape with hot air. This helps release the transfer tape glue. Bubbles should be punctured using a pin. Do not slit the vinyl to release the air. If the vinyl is slit it will spread or gap.
