Technical data

CHAPTER 7
APPLICATION AND REMOVAL OF DECALS AND SILK SCREENING
7.1 DECALS - GENERAL.
NOTE
National Stock Numbers (NSN’s) for specific
decals and related materials are to be obtained
from Federal Supply Classes (FSC’s) 7690, 9330,
9905, and others as found in Illustrated Parts
Breakdowns (IPBs or -4 manuals) for specific
aircraft. Also, see the current FED Log and the
D043 System to convert specification and part
numbers to NSNs. See Chapter 8 for requisition-
ing procedures and other related decal
information.
Decals are specially prepared plastic film containing designs,
words, numerals or colored marking stripes, which may be
applied or attached to Air Force equipment as a method of
marking or identification. Decals can be used in lieu of paint
for internal and external markings and insignia as authorized
in Chapter 8. Decals shall conform to A-A-59485 or com-
mercial equivalent and are available in solid or perforated
film. Decals with perforations shall only be applied over fully
painted surfaces. For application to pressurized areas on
aircraft exteriors, prepared (factory) perforated film shall be
used to prevent blistering due to leaking rivets, seams, etc.
Non-perforated, premasked decals, may be applied directly to
the primer prior to applying the topcoat. Decals applied prior
to the topcoat must be premasked with low tack translucent
application/mask tape, leaving a 1/16 inch uncovered lip
around the decal edge. This lip will allow the topcoat paint to
seal the edge of the decal, eliminating the need for edge
sealer. The mask is removed after the topcoat paint is allowed
to cure. Decals are not authorized on unpainted surfaces.
7.1.1 Surface Preparation.
Do not apply decals when the temperature is
below 45° F as early failure or peeling will occur.
NOTE
If application of decals is required at tempera-
tures of 45 to 60° F, the pressure sensitive
adhesive must be activated per instructions sup-
plied by the manufacturer.
The integrity of a decal installation is largely dependent upon
proper preparation of the surface to which the decal is
applied. Therefore, the following must be accomplished prior
to application of decals to aircraft surfaces.
a. Remove exceptionally oily or greasy contaminants us-
ing wipe solvents listed in Table 3-2.
b. In areas where the decal will be applied, buff very
lightly with very fine aluminum oxide abrasive mat per
A-A-58054, Type I Grade A.
c. Clean the entire application surface thoroughly with
alkaline cleaner MIL-PRF-87937, or MIL-PRF-85570,
in accordance with TO 1-1-691 on all old painted
surfaces. This is not required on newly painted surfaces.
d. Perform final cleaning of the application area with a lint
free cotton cloth wet with TT-I-735 isopropyl alcohol.
Wipe the area dry.
e. Optional use of a gloss MIL-PRF-85285 polyurethane
clear-coat applied to the area to be covered by aircraft
decals for adhesion purposes on camouflage aircraft is
authorized.
7.1.2 Application Procedures For Decals and Col-
ored Marking Stripes. Application of decals authorized
by Chapter 8 or system specific equipment or aircraft TO’s is
accomplished per the basic methods detailed below. These
methods refer generally to simple shapes of the approximate
sizes noted. Application of intricately cut shapes require the
use of detailed application instruction supplied with the decal.
7.2 SMALL DECALS AND MARKING STRIPES.
7.2.1 Decals Up To 12 inchesx2inches. Remove
entire backing from adhesive, align decal and press on one
edge to surface with the finger. Hold the remainder of film
taut and slightly away from surface until pressed down with
plastic squeegee using firm, overlapping strokes (See Figure
7-1).
7.2.2 Film For Striping. Pull off backing for approxi-
mately 12 inches, exposing the adhesive. Press-end in posi-
tion and apply the striping as the backing is removed. Press
firmly to surface with a plastic squeegee. Be sure all edges are
firmly adhered (See Figure 7-2).
Figure 7-1. Applying Small Decal.
TO 1-1-8
7-1