CLEAR BACKGROUND DECALS

The same basic installation applies with the following exceptions.

1. Do not scuff shiny surface on blanks or coated underwrap.
2. Do not scribe centerline and install decal over centerline marks as this line will show at ends of fish margin not covered by 4-color.
3. Trim net on fish outline when possible. This will eliminate any shadow areas caused by adhesive showing around outline of fish body. (These may not be noticeable except against a dark background.)
4. A pre-coat is required prior to application of decal if put over a thread underwrap.
5. To eliminate any haze area around the clear 4-color decals, it is best to apply them to a shiny hard surface.

Step 6 for black background decals is not required for clear background decals

BLACK BACKGROUND DECALS

1. On dense black blank only, clean surface and scribe light centerline where you want to apply decal.
2. Using single edge razor blade or Exacto knife, rough trim approximately I /8� around full perimeter of fish.
3. Using end of blade, gently lift decal from the sheet - head first.
4. Attach to blank surface along scribe line by touching tail of fish, then gently smooth decal toward the head and press firmly in place.
5. Decal is now ready for application of polymer finish. If you are going to have trim bands, apply before painting. We apply a thin coat and allow a day before next step. You can apply light heat to clear polymer bubbles without affecting decals.
6. After finish of first coat is dry, inspect edges of decal for areas that may show shiny edges of the pearlescent base material. Using a drafting pen with India ink, cover these shiny areas. Allow ink to dry and apply second coat. Let dry for a day.
7. Repeat Step 6 if needed and apply finish coal.

All of the black base decals should be installed on a black background. If your blank is any other color than a dense black, it is suggested that you wrap blank with thin diameter black thread such as Gudebrod 521A-001 nylon (non-NCP) thread where decal is going to be installed. If under wrap is required, a coat of polymer finish must be applied and allowed to dry before beginning Step 4.

The above gives you an idea of how we install these decals. While there may be other ways, we have found that this procedure works best and eliminates any air bubbles.
If you use full width decal without trimming, you may have trouble with air entrapment causing air pockets especially on small diameter blanks. These are very difficult to remove.

Alcohol may be used to clean decal. Do not use Acetone as this may affect color of decal.
Decals may also be applied to belt buckles, cigarette lighters or whatever you may choose.

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