Applying Graphics

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This topic contains 20 replies, has 0 voices, and was last updated by  Craig Bernard 15 years, 4 months ago.

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  • #97432

    Gidday all,

    Thought it might be good for those interested in keeping there bike looking good to have a few tips on applying graphics. We have applied plenty in our time here at Tee n Cee, aftermarket, genuine and of course our own. So here is how we go about ( take into account I’m new to this forum stuff so hope it all works with pics etc.)

    I guess starting with what you need, something to clean the plastics with ( make sure the rag is a virgin ) a heat gun, small utility knife, a squeegee of some sort, application fluid ( a spray bottle with just a few drops of quality deterg like morning fresh should do , not too much or it will be too slippery and wont dry out ). Oh yeh the most important part… some liquid refreshments to calm the nerves!

    The first and very important step is to ensure the plastics new or old are are extremely clean. Even after washing them as you normally would wipe them down thoroughly with Isopropyl Alcohol, wet rag on dry rag off ( to get rid of any residue ) If you dont have Isopropyl use wax and grease remover or metho just test what you use somewhere first in case it dulls your plastics. Make sure there is no evidence of any silicone spray or bike shine inside or out ( very important ) the decals wont stick if there is, it may also get on your fingers from the inside of plastics. G_A_Tools.jpg

    #158636

    I’m going to show our wet method for aplication as we find it the easiest way when you have more time on your hands. If you are in a mad ass hurry then doing them dry is better following the instructions thet come with the packaging. Its usually a case of taping the piece in place, removing or folding back part of the backing paper then working your way across the graphic rubbing down as you go to work the air towards the edge. Either way its much better not to apply graphics the day before a ride, do it a week before and let them have some time to fully adhere.

    Hold the graphic in place to make sure its gunna fit and start with one of the flatter easier shapes to get warmed up.

    Next step in the wet method is to remove the backing completely and spray the sticky side thoroughly with a fine mist of appo as well as the offending plastic. Carefully ( do everything carefully ) place the graphic in position sliding it around until it all lines up. This is hard on more curved shapes and takes a bit of experience and/or luck to start in the correct position. With the wet method it is easier to remove the decal and start again if you need to reposition it.

    It might be worth mentioning here to start with a clear and clean workspace and the plastic on the bench. Some pieces are better done on the bike so you have your hands free you be the judge.

    Once the decal is in place start squeeging the moisture out towards the edge, some heat form the gun may be useful here to help mould the graphics to the curves and contours. Not too much heat at this stage you just want enough to help massage the decal down the shape of the plastic. G_A_2.jpg

    #158642

    Anonymous

    Good stuff Mr Cee :)

    Putting graphics / stickers on can sometimes be a little bit of a pain in the arse. It is all too easy for things to go pear shaped. The sign writers at work use the wet method all the time, which as you would know and pointed out makes things easier for lining up.

    Those graphics that your applying look pretty cool too. :) :) :)

    #158643

    Dont stress too much about getting it all down 100% at this stage just get it reasonably close then put it aside so the moisture can evaporate naturally.

    Often you need to do some minor trimming where things dont line up spot on, make sure you use a sharp knife and dont push too hard and engrave your plastics G_A_3.jpg

    #158647

    with more complex and curved shapes there is obviously mor potential for failure and cursing ! ( this is where the woodstock might come in handy )
    Its hard to explain , I guess this is where some experience comes into play and heh I’m not real confident working on engines , horses for courses and all that.

    It takes a bit of care and finesse with the heatgun and squeege , working it towards the edge bit by bit. I like t use the sharp side of the squeege sometimes here rather than the padded side. Hopefully the pics help explain how it goes. Once it’s mostly down just put it aside for a few hours somewhere warm ( not direct sun though ) or overnight and let some of the moisture evaporate away. Come back later and give it a good rub all over ( sounds a bit sexual eh ? ) and a good go with the heatgun, do any trimming you need to do then just leave it for a couple of day before riding.

    Any questions please feel free to ask and I’ll try and help
    PS we charge on average $11 per piece to do application for you. $33 for a set of race numbers $33 for a shroud tank set. G_A_4.jpg

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    G_A_6.jpg

    G_A_7.jpg

    and you thought I couldnt get it down eh ??

    #158637

    drew
    Member

    hi Mr Cee,

    when’s Mr Tee gonna sign up :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

    i needed help with the photo thing too.

    was shown this

    http://www.obtrailriders.com/index.php?option=com_kunena&Itemid=56&func=view&catid=8&id=12006

    Thanks for the tips ;)

    Drew.

    #158656

    Anonymous

    Hmmm. Those graphics look familiar.

    Applying them myself is still not something I would consider.

    Looks good Craig!

    #158657

    Paul
    Member

    Excellent demo MrCee
    How do you get those rippley bits out from the edges?

    I want my DRZ back so it could look really blingy :(
    But now I have the Beemer :)

    #158638

    simon burke
    Member

    nice work Mr Cee

    just one question…does that big tin in the photo have Cola in it too ?

    Bol :woohoo:

    #158658

    like I said a bit of experience, just gentle heating and use of the squeegee , sometimes lifting carefully and going again. Its a bit of experience that keeps you looking ahead for potential problems also which keeps you outa trouble.
    PS we have some shapes for the beamer ie shrouds rear guard swingarm and siddee of front guard, rears a tough one to apply though I think.

    #158661

    Nah wish it was bourbon tho

    #158665

    Paul
    Member

    Mr Cee wrote:

    Quote:
    like I said a bit of experience, just gentle heating and use of the squeegee , sometimes lifting carefully and going again. Its a bit of experience that keeps you looking ahead for potential problems also which keeps you outa trouble.
    PS we have some shapes for the beamer ie shrouds rear guard swingarm and siddee of front guard, rears a tough one to apply though I think.

    What is “siddee of front guard”?
    I am semi interested in what you can offer for the front guard and swingarm, more for scratch protection.
    Also BMW have a sticker kit for it which includes deep blue stickers for the lower fork protectors, they looked really nice on the demo bike in the Kariong dealership.
    It would be a definate sale if you could do something like that for me.
    I will try to get a decent photo of them.

    #158668

    just a decal that suits down the side of the front guard. Havent had to template the whole front guard yet , forks or the headlight. We also have side number panel areas. If we had the plastics here for a few days we could template them up with the hope some other beemer owners might need some bits done. Its pretty time consuming templating shapes.

    #158669

    Greg
    Member

    Craig that’s a treat of a thread mate, 2 thumbs up although Kylie was keeping those graphics a secret till the bike was finished :laugh:

    I have said it before fitting graphics to some of the wicked bends and shapes is nothing but bloody witch craft

    TB

    #158639

    Dwayne O
    Member

    Yeah,
    I agree, that is a ripper of a thread! Shows some good pointers ito the art of application.
    Thumbs up from me too matey ;)

    The secret is well & truly out now , kind of, for KD`s graphics for the Motard Banana :laugh:

    It will still look the goods Princess, especially with an expert like MrCee on the job :cheer: and I can`t wait to see the final results of the graphics.

    Cheers

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