applying accent tape and the bubbles that appear

[Rick]

I've purchased new navy-colored accent tape to replace the cracking, faded looking stuff that is appears along the edge of my H-27. Does anybody know any speacial tricks to prevent those little air "bubbles" that inevitably appear and detract from the look of the new tape. I try and squeeze out the air bubbles but it almost seems as if there must be some trick to it. Is there a tool like a squeegy or something to help minimize the bubbles, or any other tried and true methods?

 

[John K Kudera]

Soapy water

Use soapy water, dish detergent in water, use a sponge to wet the hull, apply the tape where you want it, then use a flat plastic squgee to apply the tape flat. An auto body shop, or NAPA store will have them, at a low cost,probably less than a dollar.

 

[Ron Mills]

Mixture of alcohol and water.

Make a mixture of 50/50 water alcohol and spray on both surfaces. This is what is used to apply vinyl lettering to boats etc. A sign shop is a good place to get one of the squeeges that they use.

 

[Hayden]

A three and a half step process:

1. After cleaning off the old tape and preparing the surface, mark the line (use pencil, it'll come off later and easier than ink) along the hull that you wish the top of the tape to follow.2. Begining at the bow, unroll about 1 ft of tape, and begin applying the tape inch by inch along the hull withthe top edge of the tape on the line. Use a squeegy for each inch and do it slowly. Keep moving toward the stern unitl it is all applied. Don't be afraid to pull back onthe tape from time to time to release the bubbles that might form.1/2. After you finish, take a pin or needle and insert them inot any bubbles that might exist. The use the squeegy and go over the bubblr. The air should escape through the pin hole and the tape will lay flat against the hull once squeegied. The hole will reseal itself.I used this technique last year quite effectiively. Most people try to put too long a strip on at a time. Just keep moving down the hull inch by inch releasing new tape from the roll as you move.Hope this helps.Hayden

 

[fred miller]

Bubble Popper

Simple;I have noticed that too and its almost impossible to prevent. BUT It can be corrected. Use a straight pin to pop the bubble. It will let the air out when yuo press it.Fred MillerS/V M Squared

 

[craig]

Time will heal

I put new stripes on our 34 hunter. I had hundreds of bubbles and got the same advice you are getting. I didnt do anything. The sun took care of it over time. Maybe a yr or so but at this point they are all gone. i would not puncture any of them. craig