I recently had to get five individual repro decals on the control board of a RCA 19K console. Problem was getting them on straight. Since I am staying with the original lacquer, I didnt want to use any sort of masking tape as even the blue stuff tend to pull up old finish. I didnt want to mark a line with a pencil either since it might show up later as an indentation in the finish or the wood itself.
What I did was to use a row of 2 x 2" Post-It notes. Starting straight along the left edge of the control board, I affixed the first note. then simply butted the next one beside the first, carefully lining up the edges of the notes. Once I got the whole way across the control board, I double checked for straightness with a scale. The notes also provide a nice surface to mark where each decal should go horizontally as well. Then it was a simple matter of applying the decals, aligning each one with the bottom of the notes.
Once all decals are applied, the Post-It notes come off easily- leaving no residue and no damaged finish.
Works great!!

Another great tip. Thanks for posting your procedure.



Chuck

Wonderful idea. Thanks. Now I need a way to stop the tremor in my hands. No coffee for a week?

Stiff shot or 2 of brandy outta settle you down,or cause you to put the labels on you hand!
What did you do about the original labels?
Phil

The originals were very dark and thin. They basically wore off with a little scrubbing with 0000 steel wool while applying some Howards restore a finish. I just kept at it until they were gone.

Phil, do you think Glenlivet would have the same tranquilizing effect?

Hunter, sure wish you had had your inspiration earlier while I was finishing this American Bosch. I had 10 decals to start with, used them all and still ended up a bit of a bubble off level and off center. Next job I do, I will use sticky notes for both dimensions.

Doesnt look bad though. At first glance, slightly out of place decals dont catch the eye-except of the installer!
I wonder how many were off from the factory?
And, the notes only help as a guide, you still have to get them on right. I went thru a few myself! I just try to eliminate variables that can go wrong on tough stuff.

I don't know what Glenlivet is as I don't drink but would you mind leaving the room for a minute?
I need those knobs .
Very nice set and who's lookin' at the label?
Phil

Phil, your comment on the knobs makes me feel good. I refinished them too and used Tamiya Color Gold Leaf X-12 that I found at a hobby shop for the rings. It was applied very sparingly with a toothpick.

That's a good tip and I wish I had read it earlier. I recently applied new decals to an Admiral console TV, and the best idea I could come up with was taping a guide string across the front of the cabinet.

http://www.antiqueradio.org/Admiral24C15Television.htm

The Post-it method sounds more precise.

Regards,

Phil Nelson
Phil's Old Radios
http://antiqueradio.org/index.html

Hunter,

Your Post It Notes tip saved me a lot of grief. Not only was I able to get the decal on center and level, I used the stickys to align the black striping. Fearful of bleed under with masking tape, I decided to use Pactra model striping tape rather than paint. Thanks much for the tip.

Dick

Dick
That cabinet looks great! Glad you found the post-it note tip useful.
Im thinking about trying them as masking when touching up trim- use the note's adhesive against an old finish and tape regular masking onto the loose end of the note. The post-it note adhesive doesnt seem to have the tendancy to pull up old finish like the blue masking tape.
I wonder how it would work with lacquer??
Hmmmmm

Bill,

There were about 4 coats of Deft semi gloss laquer on the cabinet that had dried for 24 hours when I put on the striping and decal. No lacquer was lifted or any adhesive visible when I pulled off the post-its. Since then it has received another 4 coats and there is no lacquer adhesion problem.

Dick

This is a great tip.

The pads also come in a 5" width (maybe even wider), which makes the job even easier.

Excellent tip, Bill. Been awhile since I had to do any decal work, but be assured that I'll remember this trick when the time comes again!

Many thanks and best regards,

Larry

Ill have to look for those 5" ones. Might be good for masking.

I assume Staples/Office Depot/etc. sell them, but if you can't find them, let me know and I'll send some. You deserve it for this tip.

Phil
That Admiral TV project came out great!
Ive often thought about trying a TV, but they sure look like a lot of work. Probably helps to know what youre doing too-so that leaves me out! Maybe someday...

Hi-tech solution to a lo-tech problem.