NOVELTY - The method comprises positioning a release layer (30) against one side of a seal (24), placing a second side of the seal against a selected portion of a fuel cell component (20), heating the fuel cell component, the seal and the release layer, removing the release layer after the seal is secured to the fuel cell component, positioning the fuel cell component against one side of a fixture, and positioning a second oppositely facing side of the fixture against the release layer such that the seal is maintained against the selected portion of the fuel cell component.    USE - The method is useful for applying a seal to a fuel cell component.    ADVANTAGE - The method is capable of easily, effectively and reliably applying the seal to the fuel cell component.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The method comprises positioning a release layer (30) against one side of a seal (24), placing a second side of the seal against a selected portion of a fuel cell component (20), heating the fuel cell component, the seal and the release layer, removing the release layer after the seal is secured to the fuel cell component, positioning the fuel cell component against one side of a fixture, positioning a second oppositely facing side of the fixture against the release layer such that the seal is maintained against the selected portion of the fuel cell component, providing a thermoplastic bond film on the second side of the seal, and melting the thermoplastic bond film during the heating. The release layer comprises reinforcing fibers and a polymer, and covers the seal material that is outside of a groove of the selected portion of the fuel cell component. The fuel cell component has a first coefficient of thermal expansion, and comprises a carbon plate and the reinforcing fibers that comprise glass. The reinforcing fibers have a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is approximately equal the first coefficient of thermal expansion, and are continuous along the release layer. The seal has a third coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than the second coefficient of thermal expansion, and is received partially within the groove. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is included for a fuel cell component.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic view of a fuel cell component.    Fuel cell component (20)    Plate (22)    Seal (24)    Release layer. (30)