How to Apply Vinyl Transfers

A Vinyl Transfer is a single color image cut out of vinyl with pressure sensitive adhesive on one side, protected by a backing sheet. The top of the transfer is covered with transfer tape. The transfer tape holds all of the individual letters in proper alignment, allowing you to apply all of the lettering in one piece.

You could just peel off the backing sheet and apply it like any other sticker. But there is a better way -

Apply a piece of masking tape to the top edge of the transfer to act like a hinge. This allows you to position and re-position the transfer until you are absolutely sure of the position and alignment.  (Left photo)

Then you flip up the transfer (while the hinge holds the alignment), remove the backing sheet, and then press the lettering into place. (Center Photo)

Now, carefully remove the transfer tape from the top and you are done. (Right photo)

Optional: Seal the lettering with a coat of clear spray.
     Note: There are no known problems of our lettering ever peeling up, with or without this step.
                    It is just extra protection.
     Caution: Use at your own risk. There is always the possibility of an interaction between the base paint and the sealer.
                         Test first. (One known incident in 15 years.)

More Info

Removing Factory Lettering

Many different methods have been tried, and the results seem to vary depending on the manufacturer's lettering process. The best advice is to plan on repainting your project in advance, just in case your method fails. 

Another option is to have us apply your lettering to a rectangular background vinyl that will cover your existing lettering. It is unlikely the background color (e.g. black) will match your paint color. However, this is pretty prototypical for locos that were sold and moved to another line.

Here is a nice video showing the results Scot Lawrence achieved using a product called "Super Clean".