Ultralight Aircraft Vinyl Graphics, Decals and Lettering
| Vinyl Graphics and Decals are an excellent way to dress up and add your own touch of personality to your aircraft. Vinyl graphics are much easier to apply and less expensive than painting. Later, if you tire of the graphics and want to change, or if you sell the aircraft and the new owner does not like them, they are easily removed.
Vinyl Graphics can be used inside and outside the aircraft. Here are some ideas:
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Note in this picture, the Challenger ultralight shown uses vinyl graphics for the aircraft registration lettering on the tail, the pilot’s name under the cockpit door, the raptor nose art decal, the underwing “eagle feathers” graphics, and a fuselage “talon tearing through ” decal. I receive a lot of compliments on this art. It really distinguishes my plane from others, and not just on the ramp at the airport. The large underwing “eagle feathers” decals can be seen from the ground at 1000 feet altitude.
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Here are some samples of small decals available from Lake Aviation:
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Aircraft Vinyl Decals Selection and Price Table:
Prices shown above do not include the federal GST tax or Freight charge which are both extra.
GST is charged on the total order value including freight at 5%.
Small decals that fit in a small envelope will be sent for a $1.00 freight charge.
Larger decals that fit in a 10 inch x 13 inch envelope will be sent for a $4.00 freight charge.
Very large decals that require a box will be sent for a $8.00 freight charge.
These are standard regular delivery mail charges.
Accelerated delivery options are available at extra cost.
How to Install Aircraft Vinyl Decals:
| The surface temperature should be at least 15 degrees C (60 degrees F) to install vinyl lettering or decals. Read the following instructions all the way through first to ensure you understand the complete process before proceeding with installing decals. Lake Aviation does not take responsibility for decals spoiled during the installation process. |
The 6 Step Process:
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Step 1: Clean the surface where you will be applying the decal. Remove dirt, oil, grease, wax and anything that will prevent the glue from adhering to the surface. On glass, plexiglass, or lexan, use Windex. On painted surfaces use a mild detergentent or degreaser. Let it dry and wipe with a clean cloth. Then, without removing the backing or the top masking from the decal, affix it to the surface with masking tape. |
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Step 2: Make sure the decal is lined up exactly where you want it. It should be either level with the ground or lined up with a straight line on the aircraft. Make sure it is centered. Use a tape measure. Step back and check that it looks Okay. |
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Step 3: Put a stretch of masking tape down the center of the decal roughly bisecting the decal. On small decals, 6 inches and under, you can put this line of masking tape down just one edge of the decal. This tape will hold the decal in place for the next step when you lift the decal to remove the backing. On very large or long decals you may wish to mark a place on the decal and the surface to help line them up again in Step 6. |
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Step 4: Lift half of the decal and peel of the backing right up to the masking tape strip. |
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Step 5: Tear off the backing with your hands (no scissors required) and discard it. |
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Step 6: Lay the decal back down on the surface. Make sure it is perfectly square to the masking strip. Line it up with any alignment markings you have made. Use the Squeegie to work the decal down onto the surface and work out any bubbles. Persistent bubbles can be poked with a pin to let out the air. Repeat for the other side of the decal. Then peel of the top masking material. |
| NOTE: To remove vinyl decals, first heat them up with a hair dryer to soften the glue. This will help release the glue and prevent damage to the painted surface below. This is especially important when removing vinyl decals from fabric covered aircraft! |