In case any noobies are surfing I thought I'd document a lesson I recently learned about decals. Though the pictures on web pages of all those fish decals may look the same, be careful what you buy. I recently bought a few decals that I THOUGHT were the BillMar decals that have backing on both sides of the sticker - the kind that you stick to the blank and then peel off the backing. The kind that doesn't leave clear material surrounding the decal image. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, check out BillMar's application instructions). Turns out that one of the decals was this type & two of them were simple peel & stick. The BillMar turned out FANTASTIC. Clean installation, vibrant & deep colors, very professional. The first peel & stick turned out OK, but you can clearly see the edges of the clear material on the blank. It looks acceptable, but I consider it an opportunity lost to give my rod a 'wow' factor. The third was also a peel & stick. It puckered and had to be removed. BUYER BEWARE, I'm asking questions before purchasing next time, or buying direct from BillMar.

BTW, for the first time ever, I did not use the manufacturer sticker w/ the blank info on it. Instead I had some personalized water-slide decals custom made for me and used those. Good move. It really gives the rod a custom appearance rather than an 'assembled' appearance. It's amazing the difference an extra $10 on decals can make.

Thanks for the kudos. We try to offer the absolute best product available. Glad the 'Bill-Mar" decals turned out well for you. If we can ever help with any other issue or products, just drop us an e-mail or a phone call.

Chuck Brown
Decal Connection
Bill-Mar Decals

Brian,

The Peel & Stick Decals are in some cases much easier than the waterslide as for one, they don't have to dry before application of the epoxy!!!

However, just simply applying the peel & stick to the rod and then applying the finish is not the best method for this style of decal. Also as you stated, the quality of the decal material is of the greatest importance. It should be crystal clear. And, the Bill Mar decals are of a very high quality.

After the peel & stick decal is properly position as desired, the decal must then be "brayered" to the blank. This is done with a hard rubber roller,(brayer), or a wallpaper seam roller. This ensures that the decal is perfectly flat to the blank and the adhesive layer all but disappears. Without doing this, I feel the odds increase that the peel & stick decal will be visable and definitely not properly installed.

Hope this helps.

Charlie