Just picked up some graphics. What's the best way to install them and get em all lined up without any bubbles? Seat cover on first and then line the stickers up to it, but what should you spray on the bike to be able to re-position the large tank decals? I know they sell "sticker-on" but is there anything available around the house (water, windex, etc) that you can use and then squeegee out? I just want to do it right the first time with no B.S. Thanks.

 

Sorry Slappie, I have no experience with graphic kits. My plastic looked beat up, so I just stickered the crap out of it from all the parts I have bought over the last 2 years.

I plan to purchase some new plastic over the winter and have the frame powder coated then too. Had to get the motor done first, now on to cosmetics!

 

Greetings slappie,

Absolutly........Seat cover first. I took mine to an Upolsterererer guy and gave him $20 and it looks great.

I started out with new virgin (I like saying that word) plastic so I was at an advantage there. Make sure the surface is clean and not nicked up. If you have a deep scratch that has shavings or digs above the surface of the rest of the plastic you will get bubbles and or high spots. trim or very lightly sand off anything that will cause you any imperfections top side. You can use Wendex to clean and degrease the plastic.

Install the seat (make sure it is fully locked in place) lay your graphics out where you have good access to them. Then hose the crap out of both your plastic and the adhesive (after you peal of course). Start by the seat work your way forward. Try to get out as much of the Wendex and air that you while you are applying the decal. Once it is in place you will be able to move the entire piece around to do any last minute changes.

You will hear mixed oppinions about using a heat gun, but it help me out a lot. I put on one of the Yamaha Graphics kits (they are THICK). I used the low heat setting on my Wagner Heat gun. It really did help me.

I have some pictures on on "Photos" page if you would like to take a look to make sure that mine don't look like hell and I'm leading you astray. Ha ha

Good Luck

 

GregV,

How long did you wait to ride after you installed your kit? Does the Windex work pretty good as an application helper? I recently removed my graphics kit because of a poor installation (used bike). I want to make sure the new one I am going to put on does not have the same problems...Thanks!

 

I waited till the next day just to be on te safe side. It dries up fairly quick, but give it a day if you can stand it.

The Windex worked real well. Just get the plain Jane Windex, not any of the special this or that Windex smells or whatever. Just the cheap stuff.

 

I think I can wait 1 day [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Thanks!

 

no problem. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

The directions that came with my decal set say to drain the gas tank completely and let it air out before applying anything because gas fumes will affect the curing of the adhesive in the decals and cause bubbles to form.

You can also spray the area and decal with plain water to get it positioned just right.

If small bubbles appear you can also use a small pin to make a hole in the bubble and massage it flat.

Like Gregv said use a heat gun on the decal to warm it up first it makes it easier to apply.

Good luck and take your time..

 

cheeper then Windex is windshield cleaner for your car. You can get a whole gallon fo about a buck. It works great. Really pay attention to what Gregv said and make sure you get ALL the cleaner out from behind the kit. I use a plastic bondo blade.

 

i do sign work for a living. that includes vinal decaling witch is the same thing your graphic's are made from only thicker with is easier to work with try not to use windex it will break down the glue faster if you can not afford the sticker on or what i use rapidtac get a spray bottle and mix a small amount of dish soap and water. just mist the surface than apply decal and ajust it in to place and rub out the bubbles and water and if yu have small bubbles either heat them out with a hair dryer and or poke a small hole with a small pin and rub them out small bubbles (if there is any)will bake out in the sun. hhope this helps.