Applying Side Art

[97thruhiker]

Just wanted to get a general feel for what most of you do when applying new side art to your cabinets.  I've heard of some people using RapidTac, soapy water, windex, etc.  Whats the general concensus here on this issue.  I'm getting ready to apply some side art to a cabinet that I've spent alot, and I meam alot of time on getting the paint just right (from repair to final paint) and would hate to screw it up.  I dry installed the side art on my built from scratch Mame cabinet and had good results (laminated the cabinet so I did not put the extreme effort like I'm doing on this painted cab).  Any thoughts, tips, tricks would be appreciated.

[TOK]

Perfect timing for this question... I just bought NOS Sky Soldiers art for my cabinet.
I planned on using a spray bottle and water with a drop of dish detergent in it to help position the art. I've tinted windows with success, but if you screw up its and easy do-over. Have one shot at the side art, so I'd also love to read some tips.
 

[rlemmon]

I just removed the top inch or so of the backing and positioned the sideart the way i wanted it, Then pressed it in place. Then you slowly remove the backing by pulling downward and outward stopping every three or four inches to press in place.

[AtomSmasher]

I just removed the top inch or so of the backing and positioned the sideart the way i wanted it, Then pressed it in place. Then you slowly remove the backing by pulling downward and outward stopping every three or four inches to press in place.

Thats pretty much what I did, except I hung the art where I wanted it with tape before slowly removing the backing.

[spacies]

The soapy water comment is the way to go.
Just a drop in the bottle and shake it up.

Spray both surfaces until thoroughly soaked a lightly apply to surface.
Pays to use some masking tape as a guide too.
Once applied you can remove or re-align as required.
When you are happy with the position, slide the squeegee (available from a signwriter/printer)  from the centre down, then the centre up. Then work the sides until all the bubbles have gone from underneath the art.
As with other things, the wetter the better.

Leave 'til dry and remove the application tape if some were used.
Go talk to your local signwriter. They will give you some tips.
I used to do this for a living.

Good luck!