Best way to apply helicopter tape to rails?

[Zooport]

Just got my roll of helicopter tape and thinking about ways of applying it to the rails of my AW 8'10.  Looking at the contour of the rails, I'm concerned that just sticking it on there will result in bulges and bubbles.  There were no instructions included except a note saying to make sure the surface is clean...well duh!   Those of you who have done it before, what is the best technique for applying it?  Got any links, images or videos?

[dingfix]

I've done a few boards with 3M tape.  Use the wet method if applicable for the make of tape you have, you should find instructions on-line.

eg http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pdf/3MPPTTapeInstallationGuide.pdf

[Biggreen]

The helicopter tape is very stretchy and flexible. I used it. Not quite as durable as rail tape but still good to go.  I just ran some DN alcohol over the rails to clean them, then cut the tape (you can cut it 3+" shorter than your desired length, it will stretch if you want it to). Stick one end, peel back 16-18" of tape, pull tension and apply sticking the center of the tape down to the apex of your rail. You can go along the whole way like that, then come back and press, squeege down the top and bottom halves or you can do your 18", press it all down, then move on. Whatever you're comfortable with doing. Easy as pie.

[eeck62]

Spray both the rail and the tape with a little dish soap and water.  It allows you to get the tape positioned without it sticking.  Then squeegee the water out using a credit card.  It worked great on my board.  See video below from Blue Planet.  They have a lot of great how to videos.

[Zooport]

Video was great.  Thanks so much. 

[mrbig]

Glad it worked for you. Ya can't get it too wet! I usually use glass cleaner as the first step..

[blueplanetsurf]

We have used the wet on wet method at our shop on hundreds of boards with excellent results.  You can't really use too much water when applying.  Just a drop of dish soap in a spray bottle is enough.  Make sure hands are clean and wet before touching adhesive to avoid fingerprints.  My tip is don't stretch the tape as it will pull back and leave sticky residue at the ends.  Also, make sure to center the tape over the widest part of the rail and don't lap it to the bottom of the board.  When you start sticking it down, push down the center first, then squeegee from the center up, then down, making sure you don't trap any air bubbles.  Let it dry overnight and make sure it does not get moved around by straps etc.  Storing the board on the rail can cause the tape to move as well.

[Zooport]

I'm finding that the tape is not adhering to the board for about an inch in the front.  I stick it back down and it lets go again.  I cleaned the board with alcohol, so there is no grease.  If it will not stick, I may have to cut an inch off the front with a razor blade once it dries.