One thing the Wrangler Hood on the JK has is a lot of sticker or decal real estate. You can put all kinds of sayings and fun graphics to set your Jeep Wrangler JK apart from the others.
But installing those decals can be difficult if you don’t know a few tips and tricks. This video shows you how to easily install a hood decal on a Jeep Wrangler JK hood.
So if you are in the mood to set yourself apart from all of the other thousands of JKs out there then you may want to look at hood decals as they are a great way to customize your Jeep.
Plus each hood decal allows you to say whatever you want in custom fonts and numerous color choices. So get crazy and put a hood decal on your Jeep and drive happy!
The other thing you can do is get a side hood decal for each side of the Jeep Wrangler JK hood. They come in a lot of different sayings and look cool.
Installation Methods:
There are two methods for installing a vinyl decal on your vehicle, the dry method and the wet method, both work easily but the wet method is easier for first time installers. With the wet method you can move the decal around for accurate positioning.
The Dry Method:
- Do not install on a hot vehicle or in direct sunlight.
- Check the decal for any damage, cuts, or nicks prior to installing.
- Prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly with ammonia free soap and water solution and wiping down with cleaning alcohol as the final step.
Materials needed – decal squeegee or old credit card, masking tape, scissors, paper towels, and a non ammonia based cleaner.
Place the decal at the desired position, and apply two strips of masking tape on the left side. Then apply a single long piece of masking tape diagonally in the middle of the decal.
Lift up the right side of the decal until you cannot lift it anymore (the middle masking tape should be holding it in place) and peel off the transfer tape from the decal backing. Cut the backing off nearest to the masking tape – MAKE SURE THE DECAL DOES NOT TOUCH THE VEHICLE.
Working from right to left at the middle of the masking tape adhere the decal to the vehicle using the squeegee to remove any air bubbles. Until the right side is installed. Then place another piece of long masking tape parallel to the original middle piece and to the right of it, and REMOVE the original middle piece.
The lift up the left side and pull of the remaining decal backing and discard, the work the deal from right to left backwards, squeegee the decal removing all bubbles horizontally until installed.
Remove the masking tape in the middle and go over the decal with the squeegee with increasing pressure until decal is completely adhered. Remove the transfer tape by removing one corner and slowly peeling it evenly over the decal keeping pressure on transfer tape as you peel it off.
Do a final inspection and squeegee out any remaining air bubbles, smaller bubbles can be removed by making a small hole in the middle and using the squeegee to get them out but most small bubbles go away in about a week or so.
The Wet Method:
- Do not install on a hot vehicle or in direct sunlight.
- Check the decal for any damage, cuts, or nicks prior to installing.
- Prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly with ammonia free soap and water solution and wiping down with cleaning alcohol as the final step.
Materials needed – decal squeegee or old credit card, masking tape, scissors, paper towels, and a non ammonia based cleaner. And some Rapid-Tac (registered trademark) or Application Fluid in Spray Bottle (Mixture of 1/2 quart of water, 1/4 quart of 99% rubbing alcohol and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap).
Use the squeegee and make sure that the decal is strongly adhered to the transfer tape, then remove the decal backing. Spray the deal (on the sticky side) liberally with the application fluid you are using. MAKE SURE THE DECAL DOES NOT TOUCH ANYTHING.
Spray the surface where you are going to install the decal with the application liquid and place the decal where you want it installed. You can now move it around until you get it in the desired position. While securely holding the decal down in place squeegee all the application liquid from under the decal. DO NOT MOVE THE DECAL DURING THIS PROCESS.
Once installed and as much liquid squeegeed out, let the decal dry completely usually 30 minutes to 1 hour. Then slowly remove the transfer tape, by peeling up one side and working back along the decal. Remove any remaining air bubbles and allow the decal to dry 1-2 more days before getting it wet.
TO SEE HOW TO INSTALL using the wet or dry methods see our videos.