tricks to install grpahics on new plastics?

Thu October 14 2010, 02:31 PM

Paul 061

Sure I do all the time. The trick is patience and a hair dryer. Peel about 3 square inches of a corner off and stick it down where it goes but don't push hard. Lay the rest of the graphic down to make sure it's going to line up everywhere. The push down hard on the part you have attached, remove some more of the paper, repeat the process. Use a hair dryer to stretch and move the graphics to make them conform to curves, use a plastic squeegee to get the bubbles out. If anything looks wrong immediately pull it up and start over. Patience, patience, patience. If you do a google search you can find several videos. Did I mention that the key is patience.

One video, there are others
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhojRzfRZQY

Thu October 14 2010, 02:43 PM

MX516

Also, Decal works sold a 3 step application fluid including adhesive removal, pre app cleaner and application stuff. It allows you to peel off the whole thing, spray the stuff on and you can easily move the graphics around and squeegee out the fluid and bubbles. Works great!!! Patience is still required but not nearly as much. Main thing is you have to go back a couple times during the process to reset the hard sections. I've done 3-4 sets now and I've never had anything peel. Overall I Highly recommend the stuff and it is much easier.

Or do what Paul said… and make sure the plastic is very clean (including oil from hands) and try to preheat the graphic and plastic a little (especially when cold).

Fri October 15 2010, 10:26 AM

Vetmx808

quote:
Originally posted by MX516:
Also, Decal works sold a 3 step application fluid including adhesive removal, pre app cleaner and application stuff. It allows you to peel off the whole thing, spray the stuff on and you can easily move the graphics around and squeegee out the fluid and bubbles. Works great!!! Patience is still required but not nearly as much. Main thing is you have to go back a couple times during the process to reset the hard sections. I've done 3-4 sets now and I've never had anything peel. Overall I Highly recommend the stuff and it is much easier.

Or do what Paul said… and make sure the plastic is very clean (including oil from hands) and try to preheat the graphic and plastic a little (especially when cold).

I use the Decal Works 3 step system...perfect everytime! Plus it smells good!

Fri October 15 2010, 09:30 PM

JosH yz250f

Thanks for the advice I might have to see if I can find that 3 step stuff.

Tue November 02 2010, 10:19 PM

darius228

I'm gonna have to get some of that stuff I took my time making everything line up, used a blow dryer, and used acetone to clean up the plastic prior, after a few rides the graphics on some tricky corners are peeling. mostly the multi finger corners (2010 yz450f)

Wed November 03 2010, 12:37 AM

spin05

Windex sprayed under it works just like that other stuff

Wed November 03 2010, 05:41 PM

Kimball #126

Beer, patience, hairdryer, more beer, and some cheetos. lol.. I have actually gotten quite good at it over the years, it really isn't that hard but u do need heat and to not be in a hurry...

Wed November 03 2010, 09:59 PM

motodrew295

Windex, or any glass cleaner with ammonia, spray a thin coat on the back of a fresh decal, then slide it into alignment then work out the glass cleaner. One most all of the corners are lined up use a heat gun, (harbor freight like $16.00) to lay down the rest of the edges and evaporate the windex.