Huhwha

Not sure where to put this, but this seems good.

I am not associated with Duplicolor, blah, blah, blah.

I saw a discussion about this product for temporarily painting stuff on your car, like a car number for HPDE events, autocross, etc. and thought I would try it.

Well, I bought a can of this stuff to try out before my track day in 2 weeks. Here's what I did:

1. Downloaded number templates from Duplicolor (free!)
2. Plotted the complete number to make them big enough (need at least 10" numbers.)
3. Thought I would be smart and make semi-permanent stencil, so I laminated the paper.
4. Cut the appropriate pieces out of the stencil.
5. Spray back of stencil with stencil adhesive (to make sure it sticks nicely to the car when painting.
6. Put stencil on car and paint.

Here's what I have learned so far:

1. This stuff doesn't cover worth a damn. One whole 5 oz. can to do a 3 digit number!
2. I can out-smart myself. If you put stencil adhesive on a laminated stencil (I think maybe it's vinyl), must of the adhesive will be left on the car, making a big mess! Next time I will not laminate the stencil and just put the adhesive on the paper stencil.
3. I will have to buy more paint! (5 bucks at wally-world.)

Is it worth it? I made it sound harder than it is. If I had everything together at once, I could do the whole thing in less than an hour.

Attached are a couple of pictures. Stay tuned for more information, as I will try to wash it off tomorrow!

Huhwha

Sorry for the delay - life got in the way!

Really, it worked as advertised on the Duplicolor site. Hit it with the hose and nothing happened! A little agitation with a soapy sponge and it was gone.

I did try the adhesive spray with a piece of plain paper, and that seems to work fine - no adhesive gets transferred to the car.

In any case, here's another pic - of nothing left!

The Mighty Red

For the amount of work you went through to do it plus the cost of the product itself.. don't you think resuable magnetic numers would be far more economical?

30 seconds to put on.. 10 seconds to take off. Then use them again the next weekend.

It looks like interesting stuff.. just seems like a lot of work is all.

christoc

I'd agree, magnets would do well for most cases, though for high speed I could see magnet possibly not being enough.

Huhwha

It might be close cost-wise. Just thought it was interesting. I've heard that magnetic numbers can be an issue, depending on circumstances. Most people seem to tape them as well.

This will be my first track event. If I become addicted (which seems likely), I'll probably use another solution.

Imp

Tape the leading edge, and its no problem. Cut numbers tend to fly off wheras the numberpanels have more surface area to the door giving it more pulling force per sq/in.

I haven't heard of anyone losing any of my individual numbers panels at a road course yet. Well, there was one case where they were 4 years old and bent up a tad where air got under the leading edge.

One issue there is with any magnetic product is when it rains and you have a metallic paint. The magnet can leave a hazy appearance in the clearcoat. It can be buffed out.

--KC

brattesani

yep

fizzer

<free plug>
I just used a rallydecals.com number panel at pocono raceway, 130mph on the front straight. A little painters tape on the leading edge kept it on just fine
</free plug>

Huhwha

Upon further review, I just odered my number plates. I'll tape the front as suggested and be on my way. I just need to avoid the grass by the access road at the kink at Mid-Ohio. Don't wanna pull a Joey Hand

L8APEX

I too use my number panels from rallydecals.com, another shameless plug, and like them a lot. Mine have a black edge, and I use thin plastic tape to tape the leading edge, and have no problem at speed on road courses. They are heavy weight magnets, easy to clean, have our club name on them, and are easy to read. I recommend them.

mine look like this:

Imp

"Ever take it off any sweet jumps?"

--kC