The Best Tips for Applying OEM Boat Decals & Emblems: A Step-by-Step Guide

When upgrading your wake boat, one of the simplest and most cost-effective improvements is replacing worn, sun-faded, or chipped decals and emblems with fresh OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) replacements. This upgrade is an easy way to restore your boat's pristine appearance without breaking the bank. However, the key to achieving a flawless look lies in the decal application process. In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the best tips and techniques at every step so you're stoked with your final product. With the right tools, some good tips, and a little patience-your boat will be turning heads in no time!

Tools Needed

• Cleaner (we recommend 70% isopropyl alcohol)
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber towels
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Masking tape
• Scissors
• X-Acto knife
• Rubber scraper (decals only)
• A buddy

General Tips

• Take your time: Apply slowly and carefully to avoid air bubbles.
• Avoid excessive heat: Don't apply in direct sunlight or excessive heat as this can affect the adhesive.
• Consider size and placement before purchasing: Measure the previous decal/emblem and confirm the replacement will fit.

Steps

Step 1: Clean the boat's surface: Prior to application, be sure to give your boat a thorough wipe down. It is important the surface is clean, dry, and free of debris. Start with a soap and water wash, rinsing all the soap completely off with water. Dry with a microfiber towel. Once dry, we recommend spraying 70% isopropyl alcohol to get the final waxy residues removed. Any waxy residue left will ruin the adhesive, so this step is important.

Step 2: Locate desired placement: Once the boat is clean and dry, it is time to start working on placement. This is where a tape measure, masking tape, and pencil will come in handy. Find and mark the start (left) and the end (right) of where you want the decal positioned with two pieces of masking tape; applied vertically. Once the masking tape is applied, use a pencil to mark the center line (horizontally) on both pieces of masking tape to ensure your decal is centered.

Step 3: Dry fit; position the decal/emblem: This step is where your buddy comes in handy. While one person holds the decal firmly in place, the other person should run strips of masking tape atop the decal's front transfer paper. The goal of this step is to set the decal in position without actually applying it. Once complete, you should have created a temporary hinge that'll still allow easy access the decals backing paper. It is important to note that you should focus on centering the decal itself, not the transfer paper.

Step 4: Peel away the backing: Now the fun begins! Take your time with this step – it’s okay to go slow. Gently peel away the backing paper, allowing the decal to lightly adhere to the boat's surface. For the best results, apply the decal from top to bottom and center to outside. If anything goes wrong, don’t panic – quickly pull the decal off and try again. If you're working with large letters or a wide decal, making small cuts in the transfer paper can help you apply the decal in manageable sections.

Step 5: Firmly press down decal/emblem: If you are content with where your new decal or emblem is placed, go ahead and solidify the application. Press firmly down on the edges of each letter - a few seconds at a time. For decals specifically, you can run a rubber scraper across the front transfer paper to remove any air bubbles.

Step 6: Remove front transfer paper: Begin by carefully removing the masking tape from the top of the front transfer paper. Next, peel the transfer paper off the decal or emblem from left to right, at a 45-degree downward angle. It’s important to keep the peel nearly parallel to the hull for a smooth, clean removal. If the transfer paper tears, use an X-Acto knife to gently restart the peel.

Step 7: Enjoy your final product: Easy as that, stand back and enjoy your upgrade!

ActiveWake x OEM Decals and Emblems

We carry OEM decals and emblems from Malibu, Axis, Supra, Moomba, and Nautique. The majority of replacements offered can be found on our website here: Wake Boat Decals & Emblems. If you do not see the decal or emblem that you're after listed on our site, please contact us via phone, email, or live chat as we can likely special order it for you.