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    How to Apply Water Based Decals

    How to Apply Water-Based Decals to Coca-Cola Machines

     

    Applying water-based decals to your Coca-Cola machine is a fantastic way to restore it to its original vintage look. Whether you’re working on a Vendo 81, Vendo 44, or any other vintage Coke machine, decals are a crucial part of the restoration process, providing authenticity and a polished finish. This page will guide you step-by-step on how to properly apply water-based decals to your Coca-Cola machine for a flawless, professional look.

    What Are Water-Based Decals?

    Water-based decals are a popular choice for restoring vintage machines because they offer easy application and produce a smooth, professional finish. These decals are printed on specialized paper that, once submerged in water, can be transferred onto a surface with minimal effort. Water-based decals are particularly suitable for large areas like Coca-Cola logos, slogans, and artwork on Coke machines.

    Materials You’ll Need:

    Before applying your water-based decals, gather the following materials to ensure a smooth and successful process:

    • Water-based Decals (specifically for Coca-Cola machines)
    • Warm water (in a shallow tray or bowl)
    • Sponge or soft cloth
    • Tweezers or decal positioning tool
    • Application fluid (optional, but helpful for smoother application)
    • Masking tape (for alignment)
    • Scissors or Exacto knife (to trim excess decal material)
    • Clear coat (to seal and protect the decal after application)
    • Heat gun or hair dryer (optional, for helping with adhesion and smoothing out wrinkles)

    Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Water-Based Decals

    Step 1: Prepare the Surface

    Before applying any decals, it’s important to ensure the surface of your Coke machine is clean and smooth. Decals will not adhere well to dirty, oily, or rough surfaces.

    1. Clean the Area: Use a degreaser or mild soap and water to clean the surface where you plan to apply the decal. Remove any old adhesive residue, dirt, dust, or grease.
    2. Dry the Surface: Wipe the surface with a clean, lint-free cloth and allow it to dry completely before proceeding.

    Step 2: Cut Out the Decal

    Once your decal is ready to be applied, carefully cut it out from the decal sheet.

    1. Trim Carefully: Use scissors or an Exacto knife to cut out the decal along its edges. Leave a small margin of excess decal around the edges to make positioning easier.
    2. Avoid Cutting into the Design: Be careful not to cut into the design of the decal itself.

    Step 3: Soak the Decal in Water

    Now that your decal is cut out, it’s time to prepare it for application.

    1. Submerge the Decal: Place the decal in warm water (about 75°F or 24°C) for 30 to 60 seconds. The water helps loosen the adhesive backing of the decal, making it ready to slide onto the machine surface.
    2. Wait for the Backing to Loosen: After soaking, gently peel the decal from the backing paper using tweezers or your fingers. Be patient—if the decal doesn’t peel off easily, soak it a bit longer.

    Step 4: Position the Decal on the Coke Machine

    Now comes the trickiest part: applying the decal smoothly and without wrinkles.

    1. Align the Decal: Position the decal where you want it on the surface of your machine. Use masking tape to lightly hold the top or edges in place as you line it up.
    2. Positioning Fluid (Optional): If you’re worried about aligning the decal correctly, you can apply a light mist of application fluid (or plain water) to the surface. This will give you some extra time to adjust the placement of the decal before it adheres permanently.

    Step 5: Apply the Decal

    Now, you’re ready to adhere the decal to the surface.

    1. Gently Slide the Decal: Once aligned, carefully slide the decal onto the surface of the machine. Begin pressing the center of the decal and gradually move outward to remove any air bubbles.
    2. Smooth Out Bubbles: Use a soft sponge or a plastic squeegee to gently press out any air bubbles or wrinkles. Start from the center and work toward the edges. You can also use your fingers, but make sure they are clean and dry.

    Step 6: Remove the Excess Water and Bubbles

    At this stage, your decal should be positioned, but there may still be water under it.

    1. Remove Excess Water: Use a clean, dry cloth or sponge to blot the area gently. Be careful not to disturb the decal.
    2. Press and Smooth: As the decal dries, use a soft cloth to press and smooth the edges, ensuring full adhesion to the surface. Let the decal sit for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it is securely attached before moving on.

    Step 7: Trim Excess Decal

    If there’s any excess decal around the edges, you can trim it with scissors or an Exacto knife for a neat, clean finish.

    1. Trim Carefully: Cut any remaining decal material along the edges to match the contour of the machine, making sure you don’t damage the decal itself.

    Step 8: Allow the Decal to Dry

    Let the decal dry completely. It may take a few hours or overnight for the decal to fully bond to the surface.

     

    Step 10: Final Touches

    After the clear coat has dried, do a final inspection to ensure that the decal has adhered properly and there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.

    • If needed, you can use a heat gun or hair dryer on a low setting to gently heat the decal area. This can help smooth out any minor imperfections, but be sure not to overheat the surface.
    • Check the edges of the decal for any lifting. If you find any, gently press them down with a soft cloth.

    Additional Tips for Decal Application

    • Avoid Humidity: Apply decals in a dry, dust-free environment. Humidity or dust particles can affect how the decal adheres to the surface.
    • Take Your Time: Be patient during the application process. Rushing can result in air bubbles, wrinkles, or misalignment.
    • Don’t Rush the Drying Process: Give the decals plenty of time to dry and adhere before you use the machine or expose it to moisture.
    • Use High-Quality Decals: For the best results, use high-quality, authentic Coca-Cola decals made specifically for machine restorations. These will have the correct colors, font, and designs to match the original look.

    Conclusion

    Applying water-based decals to your Coca-Cola machine can be a rewarding and fun process. With patience and the right techniques, you can achieve a professional finish that enhances the aesthetic value of your vintage machine. Whether you’re restoring a classic Vendo 81 or another model, proper decal application ensures that your machine retains its authenticity and charm.

    Good luck with your restoration, and enjoy the process of bringing a piece of Coca-Cola history back to life!