Has anyone worked with camo vinyl for trucks like this www.camo4u.com - I am looking at doing a full wrap, just not sure if I should tackle it myself....
I used to apply vinyl stencils to large boats (Scarabs and such) for painting, and vinyl graphics to cars (pin stripes and such), boat names, etc. Depending on the vinyl and adhesive used, it isn't too hard to do if you take your time and have the right tools. Sometimes you can use plain water to "lubricate" the vinyl, sometimes you have to put a little dish soap or baby shampoo in the water that you spray on to give you time to work the bubbles out with a squeegee.
For curved areas or going over bulges you might have to heat it a bit with a hair dryer, or make strategic cuts with a razor. That is the kind of thing that takes a little practice, and to the extent it is necessary depends on how fitted the vinyl is to the vehicle.
One thing you might do for practice is go get some of the sticky vinyl shelf liner material, and maybe an old hood or door (or use your wife's car!), and the following items:
- Spray bottle full of clean water and a few drops of baby shampoo
- Plastic Bondo spreader to use as a squeegee
- Blow dryer
- Exacto knife, box cutter or other razor blade
- Band-Aids, ointment
- Beer or other libation of your choice.
I've used the wood grain shelf liner many times to replace the old vinyl on "wood sided" station wagons. Also found some camo stuff one time and covered my friend's Polaris with it. Lasted a couple of seasons and cost him about $20, including the beer!
very helpful - thanks
