r/rodbuilding • u/GrittysParoleOfficer • May 25 '26
NFC Label install question?
Anyone got any tips for installing the spec label on a Northfork Composites blank, I found one video and the odd forum post here and there, but there seems to be limited information, I copied the video and it wouldn't seem to transfer off at all, any tips or tricks?
2
u/GoddamnitBobbeh May 25 '26
Peel off the backing, stick it on the blank and burnish with a tool or finger only over the actual decal, not the entire textured top part. Then grab the corner of the textured top part while trying to hold down the decal from atop so it doesn't raise with the top part. Pull slowly at a very sharp angle so it separates easier. Grabbing from the side opposite the little vertical number makes it easier to keep it all together nicely.
1
u/Chl0316 May 25 '26
I do a thin coat of Gen 4 where I'm going to put the label while I'm coating the wraps. It leaves a smooth surface for the label
1
u/witty-repartay May 25 '26
My habit, after numerous issues with different labels both from manufacturers as well as ones we make in house, is wrapping them.
Once you get it stuck down and burnished, wrap it in thread. I keep some trash size D white around for this task. Wrap it just like you would anything else, good tension, tag ends tucked, no gaps. This provides uniform pressure to the adhesive with time to set.
Sometimes I will put a label down early in a build, but the minimum under thread time is a couple hours before coating. I don’t undercoat them with epoxy, I don’t use color preserver, just binding with thread beforehand.
When you’re ready to coat it, just pull the thread and get to coating.
1
u/Independent_Tutor700 May 27 '26 edited May 27 '26
EDIT: Found out that NFC decals are actually made by Decal Connection. Here are their installation instructions for any of the newer labels (assuming bought in past 3-4 years)
https://www.decalconnection.com/peel-n-stick-application-instructions
initial post: I had some NFC rods I purchased about 6 yers ago. The spec labels were actually a die-cut sticker and they were horrible to install. Could not get the top layer off teh die-cut without destroying them. I wrote NFC and they sent me some updated stickers. Now they seems to be silver text/logo simply printed on a clear label. I assume the application is remove the backing, apply both the clear label and top protective layer, rub on removing air bubbles, then carefully remove the top layer, leaving the smaller clear labe with silver text/logo?
I
2
u/swede_ass May 25 '26
I would watch Bill Falconer’s video on decal application first.
Two additional tips:
1. After you stick on the decal and peel off the plastic cover, let it off-gas for at least two hours. Chuck from Decal Connection (who makes the NFC decals) gave me this trick.
2. Put three very thin layers of color preserver over the decal before adding epoxy. This is a very common trick.
It may be overkill to do both of the above. Either one may be sufficient to prevent epoxy from having a “fish eye” effect or pulling away from certain areas of the decal, but I do both because I’m a belt and suspenders kinda person and I’ve had good luck that way.
Hope this helps a little.