Fitting Instructions
Choice of fittings:
Various methods can be used but is the fixer’s responsibility to choose which is most suitable for their application. If you are in doubt use a professional’s assistance. Good results (Suggested Methods) can be obtained by using the methods described below.
If using an adhesive, tape or self stick method it is essential that the material you are sticking the letters to is free of any contamination and is a smooth sealed surface free of any wax products, an IPA cleaning wipe is enclosed with your order to assist you, as the wipes are alcohol based only open them when you need to use them as they evaporate quickly.
If applying stainless lettering/sheets/bow plates (without an acrylic backing) to a curved surface you can gently hand form it to the required curvature. This is best done using a similar profile to the fixing area then carefully applying pressure until the required curve is obtained. Tip: Soft leather palm gardening gloves are ideal to use for applying pressure when forming them around curves.
For fixing letters you may wish to make a template. Using a suitable piece of paper draw a base line, lay them out to form your wording adjust spacing etc, making sure that you inspect for defects/faults/matching and have them all the right way up. Then draw around them and mark the mid-point so it will look balanced.. Temporarily fix the template using masking tape and pierce through the paper using a soft pencil onto the fixing surface so you make reference points for the letters. Many letters in the various fonts can easily be fixed upside down. Some examples: ‘S’ ‘H’ ‘N’ ‘d’ ‘p’ ‘u’ ‘n’ ‘b’ ‘q’ etc. . Another method if you are experienced is to simply pencil a level base line directly onto the fixing surface, place the letters, draw around each of them so you form the template ‘in situ’.
Please make sure that you are confident that you have positioned the letters correctly before applying them because they cannot be easily removed once fixed
Sighting, secure bonding of any of our products to a surface and any maintanance required is the sole responsibility of the fixer. We are happy to replace anything but no liability is accepted once they are fixed.
This is High Bond Peel and Stick backing. Only apply the letters in dry conditions and above 15̊c. Firm application pressure develops better adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. The bond strength will increase over time. |
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The ‘snapfix’ studs have a point on the end these will mark a paper template. Once you have made sure you have the template level use masking tape to temporarily fix it to the surface and then carefully drill through where the ‘snapfix’ markings are.
Use rust resistant screws when fixing the plastic locators then gently press the letters onto them.
In marine environments it is advised to use 316 grade stainless screws and if bolting/screwing through a yacht ‘Gelcoat’ it is good practice to put a tiny dab of ‘Sikaflex’ in a drilled hole to avoid any water penetration.
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Refer to manufacturer’s instructions apply the adhesive sparingly using a brush onto the whole of the back of the Stainless then carefully position it ensuring that any excess adhesive is wiped off immediately. Put tabs of low tack masking tape around the profile to keep it in position until the adhesive has set. |
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Refer to manufacturer’s instructions, apply sufficient quantity of the tape to the back of the stainless then trim using a sharp knife, peel off the backing tape and carefully position the stainless. Firm application pressure develops better adhesive contact and helps improve bond strength. It is advised to apply the tape when the temperature is above 15̊̊̊c. After application, the bond strength will increase over time. |
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- Mechanical Fixing (screwing/bolting)
Stainless can be drilled and fixed preferably using Stainless 316 screws/bolts if required, start using a small diameter bit and work up.
It is good practice in marine environments to seal the drilled hole in the fixing surface with Sikaflex to prevent any water ingress.
- Bending
- Illuminated Lettering
For Illuminated Lettering specifications click here.
- Adhesives
Sikaflex 291 (White or Black) Spec:
Sikaflex is a well respected adhesive/sealant and used extensively throughout the marine industry.
Excellent adhesion properties, can be used on most surfaces including
wood and other rough surfaces, quick, permanent.
Can be easily applied to surfaces using a brush.
Can be applied at temperatures between +10°C to +35°C
Very high and low temperature resistance:
Service temperature permanent:-40ºC to +90ºC
Short term 4 hours: 160ºC
1 hour: 180ºC
The product will be in close contact with the surface so unlikely that lines, ropes etc., will snag/catch.
3m 4611 VHB (very high bond) double sided tape (Dark Grey): (approx. 1mm thick)
Easy to apply, Quick, Clean to use, the product can be removed (with some effort and care) at a later date if required. Can be applied at temperatures from 5ºC - 40ºC.
Suitable for marine use. Excellent results are obtained on smooth gel coats, perspex etc, that are in good condition (on other surfaces please refer to 3m data information
a link is available on this site). It has high and low temperature resistance:
Temperature Performance from 3m data sheet: Continuous120 °C Intermittent 230 °C .