Dash Button Decal Install Thread...

m73

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For those who have ordered a decal-set, thanks again and I hope to have the sets in the mail by Monday.

Please feel free to add your pictures and installation tips to this thread. I have made a brief illustrated instruction-set to get things started....my apologies for the grainy photos, but I believe you should still be able to follow along.

Important: You only have one-shot to install the decals, so please get a good nights sleep and be ready to concentrate.

Step 1.
Get all of your materials ready. (you may use whatever you wish--this list is what I used)
1)Rubbing Alcohol ( to prep surface)
2)Ronan Aquethane ( As a Clear coat) (use acrylic or other)
3)Exacto blade (any cutting tool works)
3)Copic Marker (as a brush, you may use any brush to substitute)
4)Lead pencil (to apply decals--take caution when applying pressure)
5)Scotch Tape (remove and apply decal using tape)
Materials_s.jpg

Preface:
The center of each button may be detached to install or erase decals. To do so, place a long, thin blunt rod through the back-side and gently pop-up the metal center. It simply snaps back into place.
Button_Tops.jpg

Note:
You may attach decals with buttons on or off the car. For reference, It is difficult to obtain perfect vertical orientation if button is removed and has to be re-installed. ( I hope that makes sense)

Step 2.
Clean and prep your surface using any solvent and a dry cloth.
Prep.jpg

Step 3.
Cut and remove decal with scotch tape. Make sure to mark 12&6 on the button first. Align marks and secure decal to button surface. (do not install yet)
Attach_Decal_s.jpg

Step 4.
Make sure you are happy with the location & alignment of the decal. Now you are ready to apply. Using the tip of lead pencil, apply even pressure and work from top-down, left-right. Now go in the reverse direction, the backing paper is ready to be removed.
Apply_Pressure_s.jpg

Note: Do not apply pressure to the alignment marks, they will appear on your button if you do so.

Step 5.
The decal has been attached firmly to your button. To ensure proper adhesion, place a small piece of paper on top of the decal and re-apply pressure as in Step 4.
Re-Apply_Pressure.jpg

Step 6. (optional)
It is recommended to protect your decal by applying a thin layer of clear-coat. Any type or brand will work, but choose a product that will not dissolve the decal ink. It is also advised to apply with a brush, but choose any method you are comfortable with.
Apply_Clear_Coat_s.jpg

Step 7.
Reinstall button if removed from car.
(no picture)

Note: If you would like to remove the decals, try using a solvent or for better results find a decal eraser wheel.

Congratulations! You have successfully added beautiful button graphics to your BMW! Its time to take the first drive and marvel at your accomplishment....

MF
 
Last edited:
M73, Great pics how to do it!

For all out there you see there need some skills to get this 100% perfect.
So this is not kind of "plug and play" :-)
 
Stefan, thanks for the kind words...

Yes it is a little work, but worth it....especially when it's appreciated by others...

Regards,

MF
 
Steve, thanks for your support I appreciate your interest too....

Absolutely, white color is possible and any type of lettering/ text can be made...

I suppose we can do a little back-and- forth to see if it's something worthwhile.


Thanks,

MF
 
Very nice. Can you make the white stencils for the "Air Conditioner" etc. labels?

IMG00209-20100831-2243.jpg


Steve, if you were not serious about the lettering,you might try to remove the "a/c" text and leave it blank?

My professor used to say better to have nothing at all than something you are not happy with....
 
I am serious about the lettering, I thought you had to research it or something, my bad. I bet I am not the only one interested in this. What info would you need from me?
 
Steve, I didn't mean to sound pushy, or try to sell you something.....:-P

I actually am curious how easy it is to remove the old lettering...?

Anyways, I can offer 2x3, 4x5 etc.. sections of a sheet to anyone interested with any text or symbol ( within reason )

One color is very reasonable ( which I assume is your interest ) but adding colors starts to nearly double the costs....

Anyway, if we can bounce around ideas on what shapes and text is wanted/needed, I can try to put together something.

One idea is making a complete E9 interior decal sheet, one that anyone can use as they please.

With ~10 people interested, I think we can do something in the 15-20 dollar range which to me sounds OK.

If everyone can post what they want, then I can work on a mock-up of some sorts....

I can match your text/symbol using scale photographs with nearly 100% accuracy.

Thanks,
 
This is what we need, height is 3.85mm. This is an e3 panel so positioning is a bit different.
 

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Chris,

Thanks for the measurement, I will post a file in 2-3 days...
 
Not pushy at all, I am in if you make them and appreciate the effort. I haven't thought about how to get the old stencil off.
 
Thanks Steve,

For removal I believe you might try a decal removal wheel--many modelers have had great luck without damaging the surface...

As for the texture, I agree it's a challenge--but with a little patience ( heat?) and a medium blunt tool, one can manipulate the decal to look pretty good.

For now we can go step-by-step and see how well it can work...

Regards,

MF
 
Here is a comparison I have come up with, I still think it could use a little fine tuning....

This was the best I could do from HBChris' picture + measurement:

AC_Lettering.jpg


And HBChris' picture again for comparison
image.jpg
 
Glad they made it! If you get the chance, post a pic from your installation....

Cheers,

MF
 
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