express2100 154 Posted April 24, 2014 I can't believe searching "cleaning substrate" "substrate preparation" "vehicle prep" etc produces zero results on this site. Even more surprised there isn't something pinned in the Instructional section. Oh well. I have searched youtube and there are too many dang opinions out there! Frankly I have come to trust the members here more than some dude with a camera. I will be installing graphics on a truck for the first time tonight and I want to make sure I properly prepare the substrate.I will be installing two 15" x 29", two 6" x 29" and two 2" x 18" Oracal 651 graphics. My plan is this: 1) Clean with one drop of Dawn per gal. of water twice. Drying between. 2) Clean with Rapid Tac II three times. Drying between. 3) Clean with 50/50 alcohol/water once. Dry and install. Am I on the right track here? Less or more? Appreciate it guys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted April 24, 2014 I searched 'surface prep' and got all this. http://forum.uscutter.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1http://forum.uscutter.com/index.php?app=core&module=search&do=search&fromMainBar=1 Just a good rub down with isoprophyl alcohol if the surface isn't very dirty is all that usually nssessary.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dwp99 283 Posted April 24, 2014 Sounds like a good start but I use a wax and grease remover. It will get any old adhesive, tar, grease, sap and wax off of the surface with out hurting the finish. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted April 24, 2014 I think you are probably over doing it. Like Doug said check for wax, that will ruin your day. I use a cheap cleaning solution made from Denatured alcohol and water for basic wash down. It's a cheap version of glass cleaner basically and works good for overall and after using any kind of adhesive remover. After making sure there is no actual dirt left on there I do a final wipe with rubbing alcohol shortly before install to remove any oils (even from finger prints during layout etc. That's how I do it. Here is a pic of the stuff I buy (or similar) at walmart to mix with water. Doesn't take much and beats using soap that may leave a residue. http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/images/stories/products/denatured-alcohol.jpg Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted April 24, 2014 The alcohol will remove grease. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wildgoose 4,200 Posted April 24, 2014 The alcohol will remove grease. This is true but in the mix it's pretty mild so I use straight rubbing later. I'm not sure its a real safe thing to handle directly on a towel so I switch to rubbing but I have no proof one way or the other, I just don't use it straight. You can burn it in a coleman stove so I think it's probably a little hot to handle. LOL Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OWJones 1,981 Posted April 24, 2014 I highly recommend Rapid Prep from the makers of RapidTac. It will strip off wax, oil, grease, dead bugs, Rain X and other silicone products and doesn't harm automotive finishes. I buy it in gallon jugs off of the big auction site for around $35-36 delivered. I also repackage it in small spray bottles to re-sell to customers that will do their own installations and make it part of my warranty - if you don't clean with my recommended cleaner, I don't warranty their installation. I only charge $2 for a 30 ml spray bottle full, so it's not like I'm gouging them, and that's enough to install several decals. I like it so much I use it clean mirrors in my house - it never leaves streaks! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrznFire07 217 Posted April 24, 2014 We use wax and grease remover, than rapid tac II than install. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted April 24, 2014 Like OWJones rapid prep just a little on a rag and wipe down good. I then use rapid tac to install. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mopar691 281 Posted April 25, 2014 Rapid Prep all the way, A gallon is less than 22 bucks, can not go wrong there. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skarekrow 1,842 Posted April 25, 2014 I'm sure Rapid Prep is a great product but I have to say I've never had an adhesion problem with alcohol wash & wipe. Not one. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OWJones 1,981 Posted April 25, 2014 Rapid Prep all the way, A gallon is less than 22 bucks, can not go wrong there. I assume you're picking it up somewhere at that price and that doesn't include shipping? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
express2100 154 Posted April 25, 2014 Thanks guys. I washed with water then rapid tac 2 followed by alcohol. Had too many visitors and a couple problems so I only have one side partially completed Time for bed! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mopar691 281 Posted April 25, 2014 I assume you're picking it up somewhere at that price and that doesn't include shipping? From my local Distributor who delivers to the shop every week. I think shipping if I bought it alone would be 5 bucks. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MoZo 50 Posted December 14, 2014 What brand of wax and grease cleaners do you guys use? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
knucklehead 530 Posted December 14, 2014 Make the owner wash the truck before bringing it to you. If not, xtra 100 bucks. It's the least the sh$theads can do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
express2100 154 Posted December 16, 2014 Ha Ha it's kind of funny lookin back at this one. It was my first project. I consider every vehicle to be dirty and they all receive the same treatment regardless of how clean they appear. Now if one rolled in plastered in mud I'd ask the owner to return after a wash. The alcohol and Rapid Tac II are all I use. Nothing special is needed to remove the wax. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nitro graphics 5 Posted January 3, 2015 We use In a quart sprayer, 16 oz. water, 16 oz. denatured alcohol, 2 drops liquid detergent. Works great, cleans great. The finger test is a must. Drag your finger across the vehicle, or whatever you're applying on. Squeeky clean is a must ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites