I just purchased some decals from Mudhole. What is the procedure to remove the decal from the backing and placing on rod? I thought the decals would come with directions and I have no information on decals at all. This will be my first use ever with decals.
Marvin Engel

if your talkin about the fish decals remove the bottom.... place were you want on the blank smooth with finger.... peel the top and your done...........the other ones i will take my exacto knife get the corner carefully up peel off and place..........

Robert,
I appreciate the information. I did not want to ruin any of the decals I purchased. I have 5 decals to place on 5 new rods I am building for my clients to use on fishing charters. Thanks for your response.
Capt. Marvin Engel
Big M's Fishing Charters

With a sharp pair of mini-scissors cut off the excess clear film around the perimeter of the fish graphic, as close as you can get it. Clear film around the graphic is an invitation for visible air/bubbles to be captured under the clear film, ruining the appearance. Clean the blank off with alcohol, and CAREFULLY apply the decal (the adhesive sticks and if you then pull = stretches distorts). Place a piece of paper over the decal and burnish if by rubbing on the paper, not the decal. I then apply a thin coat of thinned color presever to prevent the finish from attacking the adhesive and causing the decal to lift. Once cp has dried apply finish as usual (this is the only instance I ever use CP on a rod).

Added note: I use a propane torch flame the finish to remove bubbles and I do not directly apply heat to the decal. Heat may cause the decal to left or distort.

Lou

Sometimes I have a hard time peeling off just the top translucent layer and leaving the fish decal in place...I often have to get between the layers making sure the decal stays down and hold it there with the tip of an exacto knife before peeling off the rest of the top layer. Furthermore, that top coat layer has irridesicent qualities, so I've gotten to the point where I carefully cut out the Exact shape of the fish through the top layer, peel off the back layer, making sure to not tread alot on the very tip/mouth of the fish decal (or any pointy parts) which will remove the stick-um and allow it to rise at the most inappropriate time, say when fin. coating with flex coat. (thats all I use) Now before I apply the decal I clean the surface with denatured alcohol, and after application I burnish the decal making sure to burnish the edges well.