Ebay engine decals, graphics longevity

[Limecc]

My DF50 has a damaged decal and I have a Tohatsu 3.5 that I want to rebrand as Suzuki to match. I don't fancy buying OEM decals because the cost isn't justified.

Can anyone report on the quality and longevity of the clones on ebay? Seem to be two main sellers. Thanks.

[beerbelly]

i have used them on 2 small mercury outboards and both were good quality easy to use and are lasting well one has been done 3 years and still looks as good as the day i finished it .i applied the decals over the base coat then lacquered over them.

[Limecc]

Thanks Beerbelly.

Trying to decide which is the best seller now.

[beerbelly]

i have used this seller ebay item no 182530254471
seller is
.http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/defender_decals

i have also bought genuine sets from outboard 12

[Limecc]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

i have used this seller ebay item no 182530254471
seller is
.http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/defender_decals

i have also bought genuine sets from outboard 12

On the genuine set vs reproduction, how did they reproduce silvers? Was colour printed on silver foil or were silvers merely a light shade of grey printed on a white background?

[Coastie]

Originally Posted by beerbelly

i have used them on 2 small mercury outboards and both were good quality easy to use and are lasting well one has been done 3 years and still looks as good as the day i finished it .i applied the decals over the base coat then lacquered over them.

They look a bit of a faff to apply without bubbles or getting them off centre. Any tips on where you start? From one end / corner / top down etc?

[beerbelly]

they were printed onto a single layer of clear vinyl both the copys and oe. the silver is in fact silver on both .applying them without getting bubbles .fill a water spray bottle with warm water spray a fine mist over the area the decal is going stops the immediate grip of the glue and allows you to re position until your happy. then using a plastic blade / credit card will do smooth out all the water under the decal and any air bubbles starting from the center working to the edge of the decal . when your happy use a hair dryer to warm it all up that will make sure all the waters gone and you can while warm smooth any areas that might be lifting . i then applied 2 coats of 2k lacquer . hope that helps ( ps i do this sort of thing for a living so i find it easy take your time )

[Coastie]

Cheers that’s helpful. Got to wait for weather to improve before I can spray the hood, then onto the decals,