Best way to transfer emblem shape to 3M Tape?

[ladybugblazer]

I'm currently in the process of trying to cut this 2" wide strip of 3M Tape such that it has the exact shape of the emblem on it so I can plop it on the fender:





After I transfer the shape I'm just gonna cut it out with a X-Acto knife, but I'm trying to think of the best way to transfer the full shape without missing any of the detail between the lettering. Right now the best think I can think of is using some sort of washable paint that way I can just spray it on and then wash it off the emblem. Does anybody have any better ideas that might be easier?

 

[sweetk30]

all i have ever done or seen done is stick it / cut it / install it . no easy way around unless you got some computer tools to cut one out .

 

[rampage]

Yep, stick it to the emblem and cut from the back side. I’d cut at a slight angle inward so the tape doesn’t show and you don’t scratch the emblem. A sharp single sided razor blade would make a better cut than an X-Acto knife, and sharpen/clean it every so often.

 

[ladybugblazer]

Single edge razor blade sounds like a plan. Are you getting all the intricate curves and spots on the inside of the letters too?

 

[rampage]

I’ve done things similar. Just go slow using the very tip and you should be able to trace it nicely.

 

[ladybugblazer]

This is the current progress after about 2 hours gentlemen:




I've used the tip of a razor blade and a Xzacto knife. Problem is the damn adhesive keeps stretching and gumming up and it makes it hard to cut on the inside. I have to hold it with tweezers and make the cut sometimes. It's starting to ball up around on the inside of the letters noticeably. I can keep cutting at it and maybe push it on the inside but I wanted to see if anybody else has any ideas

 

[1300obo]

I dont think you need 100 percent contact with the emblem and the panel. I would cut strips and piecemeal them together to roughly approximate the outline of the emblem

 

[1300obo]

I did that with one of these cause i really didnt want to trace that outline with an exacto and it worked fine

 

[ladybugblazer]

1300obo I think you're right



I'm probably gonna end up running it back this weekend and doing just this shape instead...This stuff is real tough I cant see it ever coming off

 

[1300obo]

It'll work

 

[HankScorpio]

3M VHB is legit. Great stuff. I used it on the grill emblem and side moldings, no issues.

Some light oil or WD40 on the blade may help it slide through the adhesive easier.

 

[imiceman44]

This is the current progress after about 2 hours gentlemen:
View attachment 476749

View attachment 476750

I've used the tip of a razor blade and a Xzacto knife. Problem is the damn adhesive keeps stretching and gumming up and it makes it hard to cut on the inside. I have to hold it with tweezers and make the cut sometimes. It's starting to ball up around on the inside of the letters noticeably. I can keep cutting at it and maybe push it on the inside but I wanted to see if anybody else has any ideas

One thing can help with cutting, put it in the freezer and it will get stiff. Easier to cut