Is it necessary to use a surfactant on a peel and stick decal as described by Jim Ellis on the Decal Connection's website?

no only on Water release Decals,Just be careful of fingerprints and such

No, just follow the instructions on the Decal Connection site.

Tim,
You can always feel free to contact me direct if you would like with questions at TechSupport@decalconnection.com
If you are using a peel n stick, a surfactant can help you to move the decal around to where you want it without it sticking in the wrong place. Look at the techs that apply vinyl decals on windows or on autos. If your decal is clear just make sure that all the fluid is rubbed out from under the decals and the decal is allowed to dry underneath (a low setting blow dryer will accomplish this). As for our Bill-mar decals, you can go to that site and read about how to apply those and other peel n stick decals. Go to www.bill-mardecals.com and click on the how to link on the nav bar.

Jimi

Thanks for help, guys.

What is a surfactant? I've been using the waterslides without using this without problems. I just went on the Decal Connection website and reviewed the instructions for application and there is no mention of this?

Steve,
It's on the homepage. The art of decaling as seen in Rodmaker Mag.

A surfactant is a chemical that when added to water reduces the surface tension. The Micro Set is a surfactant that will allow you to easily slide the decal into final position. It will aid in allowing bubbles to escape from under the thin film with mininum fiddling around with the decal. The Micro Sol is another product that will aid in decal application. It will soften the surface of the film for surface conformance and aid in making the edges disappear. Although you can probably do without these two materials they sure aid in the application and visible final appearance of waterslides. I use both of the products on every waterslide I place.