Graphics application question

Idaho747
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Idaho747
Edited Date/Time 2/12/2015 3:55pm
I've seen a lot of ways to do it. But my main question is plastics on the bike or off the bike. Which is easier. Also any other tricks beside heat and mist with windex.

Also any tips on how to restore white plastic?
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olddude
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olddude 2/11/2015 7:49pm
2/11/2015 7:49pm
I like on the bike, solid base for pushing stretching and smoothing. I also like to line things up from one panel to the next. I also cut the paper backing in the center and start from the middle of the graphic.

I usually buy new but 2k sand paper should help in the renew process.
Crush
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Crush 2/11/2015 7:50pm
2/11/2015 7:50pm Edited Date/Time 2/11/2015 7:52pm
On for sure, especially if you're not experienced... It's just one less thing having to deal with holding plastics straight and not catching them, sticking to stuff etc. Plus lining everything up if there are lines etc

If it's a nice day out, use sun to pre warm the graphics and plastics... heat gun can be done too much quite quickly...

You don't need soap or dishlex or windex in the water, just a super fine mist and use a clean cloth over your thumb to squeegey it out. The cloth will stop your thumb burning. Using a card or squeegy can leave scratches if your graphics aren't great.

Plastic restore, there is a product that basically micro sands and polishes back, but plastic kits aren't exactly super expensive these days either compared to the work it'll take to restore and get not as good a result.
TheWeapon 2/11/2015 9:18pm
2/11/2015 9:18pm
Definitely plastics on. I generally use isocol mist instead of water though
TripleFive 2/11/2015 9:56pm
2/11/2015 9:56pm
Use rubbing alcohol beforehand to make sure the plastic is oil free.

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sumdood
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sumdood 2/11/2015 10:13pm
2/11/2015 10:13pm
Tape them in place with scotch tape. Roll up one of the edges and pull 1" or so of backing off. That will hold it in place while you work back and forth pulling the backing off and sticking it little by little. I do them on the couch with a beer or 4. I did it the "Decal" way, getting it wet and using a credit card or small squeegee but always had a bubble or wrinkle or extra goo around the edges. Dry works better for me. You have to have patience but that's what the beer is for
Rooster
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Rooster 2/11/2015 11:00pm
2/11/2015 11:00pm
Don't use windex.

Straight water with a drop or two of soap. The soap helps break the surface tension of the water and it will squeegee out a little easier. Alcohol or solvents like windex will negatively impact the adhesive. A hair dryer will really soften the vinyl and allow it to stretch and apply easier, but you can also melt the vinyl if the heat gets too high so be very careful with the application of heat, you don't need very much of it.
Spydee
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Spydee 2/12/2015 12:06am
2/12/2015 12:06am
Well it varies depending on the part in question... I'm currently in the process of applying a new set, and I find that some plastics are easier to apply off the bike such as the front number plate, fork guards, rear fender, etc. Then as people have said, graphics that merged across two different panels such as the radiator shrouds and fuel tank, or the side number plate and air box, will be a little trickier off the bike, so for better accuracy in lining up the graphics you're better off leaving these one the bike when applying.
roughneck
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roughneck 2/12/2015 7:02am
2/12/2015 7:02am Edited Date/Time 2/12/2015 7:04am
Some say not to use windex but I have used it for years and it works great...once you get it where you want it..use a hair dryer on low heat and smooth it out..never has failed me for.. I don't know how many sets..13 bikes and a few sets for each..over 10 years..
DoctorJD
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DoctorJD 2/12/2015 7:18am
2/12/2015 7:18am
roughneck wrote:
Some say not to use windex but I have used it for years and it works great...once you get it where you want it..use a hair...
Some say not to use windex but I have used it for years and it works great...once you get it where you want it..use a hair dryer on low heat and smooth it out..never has failed me for.. I don't know how many sets..13 bikes and a few sets for each..over 10 years..
Yea, you get varying opinions about Windex, but I've always used it, with absolutely no issues.
Darryl916
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Darryl916 2/12/2015 7:44am
2/12/2015 7:44am
I have used windex for years also and never had any issues.
mx965
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mx965 2/12/2015 8:25am
2/12/2015 8:25am
Windex, squeegee, blow dryer.
radialone
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radialone 2/12/2015 9:54am
2/12/2015 9:54am
Plastics on. I just did some about a week ago. Using any kind of liquid mixture scares me a bit, so I always apply them dry and use heat. I take off the backing, cut a strip out of the center and then lay the backing back onto the adhesive side of the graphic. That way I can line it up on the bike and then move from the center out in either direction. Obviously clean the plastics super good first with soap and water, then go over with contact cleaner or something similar. I heat up the plastics and the graphics a bit with the hair dryer before I lay them down and then go over with heat after its laid down and make sure the edges are locked in. (i know your question was specifically about plastics on or off, but I felt like hitting you with the whole story)
Idaho747
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Idaho747 2/12/2015 11:21am
2/12/2015 11:21am
Thank you all for the input. Gives me some options.
newmann
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newmann 2/12/2015 11:25am
2/12/2015 11:25am
If you must do them wet,

4 ounces water
4 ounces rubbing alcohol
4 drops baby shampoo
spray bottle

I prefer properly cleaned plastics on the bike and laying them on dry. Little heat gun action and a squeegee.
4stroke4DWIN
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4stroke4DWIN 2/12/2015 11:55am
2/12/2015 11:55am
Hello 2015!! lol. Most graphic company's these days should be using material that doesn't require water, windex, spit ect......Laughing Material has come a long way in ease of application. Personally I prefer on the bike, dry and just run with it buuuuut I know my material. I get asked the same question quite a bit and just tell them peel and stick. Haven't had anyone botch up a panel yet.
#991
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#991 2/12/2015 1:41pm
2/12/2015 1:41pm Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 3:48pm
...
Robgvx
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Robgvx 2/12/2015 1:52pm
2/12/2015 1:52pm
sumdood wrote:
Tape them in place with scotch tape. Roll up one of the edges and pull 1" or so of backing off. That will hold it in...
Tape them in place with scotch tape. Roll up one of the edges and pull 1" or so of backing off. That will hold it in place while you work back and forth pulling the backing off and sticking it little by little. I do them on the couch with a beer or 4. I did it the "Decal" way, getting it wet and using a credit card or small squeegee but always had a bubble or wrinkle or extra goo around the edges. Dry works better for me. You have to have patience but that's what the beer is for
I'm with this method.
#991
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#991 2/12/2015 2:02pm
2/12/2015 2:02pm Edited Date/Time 4/6/2015 3:48pm
...

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mark_swart
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mark_swart 2/12/2015 3:44pm
2/12/2015 3:44pm
I am NOT affiliated with this company in any shape, way, or form, but I put a set of graphics from Flu on a friends YZ 250 last month and they were probably the easiest graphics to apply that I have ever worked with. They were very pliable and I got them on with no bubbles or issues.

Which sort of ticked me off, becuase the ones on my personal bike from another brand don't look nearly as good....

I did both sets dry. But my personal bike is a CRF and I think t hose are sort of a challenge to get lined up correctly because of the long cutouts.
disbanded
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disbanded 2/12/2015 3:55pm
2/12/2015 3:55pm
Pee on the bike first

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