Tips
Here you will find the latest tip sheet/instructions for applying the stickers in the restoration kit. Those of you who may have ordered from me before can get the latest version of the tips/instructions here. Any new tips that I may find helpful, I will add to this page and will include with future orders.Sticker Restoration Kit
General Tips
Version 8: 6/25/00
For kits made after 6/25/00! Tips for a successful application:
- Work in a well lit room. Being able to see precisely where you are cutting is important!
- Use a sharp, clean scissors. Using a high quality paper or fabric scissors will yield better results than a cheapy school safety scissors. Make sure that the scissors cuts sharp and straight, and is free from any gunk or debris. Some stickers can be cut out with a hobby knife (for hard to reach places) or paper cutter (for straight lines), but from my experience, a scissors alone can work very well if care is taken.
- Use some of the green/unused areas of the sheet to "practice" if you are unfamiliar with the process. Cut out a small area, then remove the backing and get to know the material. Experimentation can help you to avoid mistakes when working with the real thing.
- Become familiar with the area you are applying to before cutting. Study the area where the sticker is to be applied. Know the shape of the area you will be covering. The stickers allow for a bit of leeway when cutting so that you can trim it a bit before the sticker is applied.
- The green areas on the restoration kit sheet are there to let you know where the line to cut is. Your final sticker should not be surrounded by any green areas. Many stickers have light or silver borders, so the green area makes it easier to tell where to cut.
- Cut around the sticker roughly at first to separate it from the rest of the sheet, then trim it down to its final shape. Try to cut between 1/2 to 1 millimeter inside of the green for best results.
- Match the sticker to the application area before removing the backing. Once you have the sticker roughly cut, place it over the area you will be applying it to. Does it fit perfectly? If it fits just right, you are ready to apply it. If it is too big or crookedly cut, use this chance to trim or straighten the edges before removing the backing.
- When applying metallic stickers to a curved surface, or for stickers that wrap around corners, be sure to pre-curve or to pre-bend the sticker in the appropriate places before removing the backing. This will reduce the chance of the sticker peeling or lifting from the surface after it is applied.
- Be careful when handling stickers, especially when removing the backing. The backing on the newer metallic sheets is a plastic translucent backing that is very thin. Be careful not to accidentally separate the sticker paper when removing it.
- Take care not to wear the edges of the sticker both before and after it is applied. Excessive handling may cause the upper protective layer to separate, so use care!
- When applying the stickers, don't press down until the sticker is in the final position. Be very careful, and don't press down until you are sure that the sticker is where you want it. The adhesive is rather permanent once firm pressure is applied.
