When to apply stripes and decals

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Pawned

Pawned

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I have finished the paint on my 71 Duster. Primer, color and clear. How long should I wait to apply the decals and stripes?
 
I'd wait at least a couple weeks to make sure the clear is cured
 
Typically it’s 30 days to allow for proper cure and release of any and all solvents.
I’ve seen people apply graphics with less time, especially on car shows but they bake the paint for a few hours.

All that happened is paint discoloration some times and the graphics bubble or raise.
 
I would go with the longer is better plan.

Especially if with the changing weather, the temp or humidity effects the cure time
 
I wasn't in a rush, so I waited 90 days after painting, the same as waiting to wax it. Better safe than sorry.
 
What is the temperature where the car is stored.. is the humidity low inside the garage? This makes a difference. Can you put it out in the sun to help cure the paint? I don’t know if you live in the mountains or by Phoenix.

Yes the longer you wait the better. What’s the hurry?
 
Make sure the surface is clean and nub free if you have any nubs they will show through the decal
 
3M suggests a minimum of 30 days before applying decals over fresh paint. You risk the chance of solvent being trapped under the decals or in the future paint delamination under the decal if it is ever removed. Read your product sheet and see if it mentions anything. No wax for 30-90 days is generally rule of thumb.
 
Thanks all, You live and you learn. I need to remember to ask questions and keep learning
 
Don't rush it! I swear it took 3 months for my clear coat to harden all the way. my car was sprayed in November it's sat in a nice dry garage or at least 3 months maybe more before it felt like the clear coat had hardened completely. I applied the bumblebee stripe in March and it's not bad unless you have a problem and start pulling the decal off of your fresh paint you damn sure want it all the way dry.

IMG_20210416_150714524.jpg
 
depends on the temp of the area its in if you can keep it at 70 at all time id give it a few weeks the more the better
 
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