Followed this video over 2 years ago and ended up bubble free, looked professional and has lasted all this time. Revisiting this video now for swapping new graphics 🤙
Great! I always do my new graphics using this method. No stress and results are always very good. The key I find is take your time, always use heat on complex curved areas and don't be afraid to redo a section if it's not perfect (carefully pull up and respray).
Thank you for this info and video. It made my 1st decal install look like factory work. My little girl is gonna be happy on her birthday when she sees her made over crf50
Just did the same on my bike without the rubbing alcohol cause i had none! At first i thought i ruined the plastics but sure as shit about three mins in it started to dry i had the heat gun going back and fourth and they look professional and was super fast and not frustrating!!
Thank you for making an informative video, instead of just showing the process with generic music in the background. I don't normally thumbs up, but when I do, it's for videos like this.
This was a great find as I was scrolling through some of your older videos and the timing is great as I'm about to embark on my 1st very decal install. I like the idea of installing the decals on new plastics which got me thinking about ordering a new set of shrouds for my '19 300 XC-W TPI. My bike is in storage so I can't check if the graphics on the shrouds are actual applied decals or embedded in the plastics. I know after 2 years there isn't so much as a corner lifting on them but the same can't be said of the the other decals because the small one on the headlight mask fell off in the 1st 48 hours after taking the bike home from the dealership and the ones on the side number plates have been peeling from about the same time. I looked at the OEM parts lookup on my dealers website checking out the radiator shrouds and it says they come with decal but it doesn't specify whether it's an applied decal preinstalled, the decal comes separately and you have to apply it or that the decal is embedded thus the shrouds aren't naked so to speak. If it's already applied or embedded then not much sense in me ordering a new set I guess. My dealer doesn't know the answer, anyone know if the shroud decals on the '19 XC-W bikes come preinstalled if ordering an OEM replacement set?
Getting ready to apply some decals to curved rear fender and curved number plate panels. Now I am really glad I spent a long time trying first time learning curve to tint windows on a car I had. This is basically the same procedure! Some baby shampoo with mostly water, spray everything down, apply the "sticker" (like the tint), squeegee and then heat gun and squeegee where there are curves. I think I can do this! I already actually have lots of window tinting squeegees that I bought and thought I wouldn't use them again to tint a car. Now I can use them on my moto graphics. Nice. Thanks for vid.
Thanks. I've used this method some time ago with success on a company car but I was worried that it might not be compatible with modern m/c decals - and I didn't want to screw up $180 worth of decals.
Most liquor stores sell a grain alcohol called “Everclear”. It is 90% ethanol alcohol and is a not denatured with other types of alcohol, such as methanol. Plus, leftovers can be mixed with grape cool aid to make a fun beverage we called purple passion during my college days! 😂
It could be worse kid...you could be known as the botty bandit....also it'll float back to the top if you dump it in a river dude when you on the trial...
Why is it not a concern to scrape across the sticker, given that the application tape is off? Would it not cause small abrasions? (Is it absolutely necessary to remove the application paper first?) Thanks so much for this video! The most helpful one yet I've seen (I'm currently working on applying decals to number plates for bicycles)!
I understand the concern, but unfortunately the protection film crinkles up when the decals are applied to a curved surface, especially if heat is applied. To avoid scratching the surface during application be sure to use a plastic squeegee tool which is in good condition and also spray plenty of application fluid on the surface of the decal to lubricate it. I've found this works well. Note that many decals are not supplied with a protective film anyway.
Nice video with very clear instructions, what is approximately the heating temperate, or better what would be the maximum allowable temperature for the decals?
When heating the decal I aim to apply the minimum amount of heat required for the decal to relax and conform to the shape of the plastic. I'm guessing this temp is about 50C, but haven't measured it. It not hot enough to burn yourself. Anyway, I recommend you watch the decal carefully while you heat it and stop as soon as it starts relaxing...
I doubt a hair dryer would get hot enough. But it would certainly be better than nothing.The hot air gun I have on the medium setting is just about right...
The clear cover you removed first is there to stop scratches during application from the squeegee. This should be removed after you're all done. Greta video though
Aerial Supercars - Unfortunately the clear cover doesn’t stretch with the graphic when heated so needs to be removed. If applying to a completely flat surface and heat is not required you could leave it on though.
I will be putting a decal on an uneven compound surface ..the strips on a 2012 Ducati likes peak...what can I use for squeegee? Dnot have one, didn't buy a kit. Thanks!
i found the ethanol in the pharmacy after searching at all of the hardware stores on aruba. my question: which solution does the alcohol have that you use? in the pharmacy they had a 70% and 95% solution. unfortunately i can not decode the japanese lettering on the bottle in the movie.
@@TokyoOffroad You can use windex and it works absolutely perfect; been putting on vehicle decals like these for years and never get a bubble, etc. Use alcohol to wipe the plastic in the beginning, fingers too, then instead of your soapy stuff use windex. Use a lot of it on both the plastic and the adhesive. Cheers.
Love all of your videos, I've learned so much thanks to them, thank you. Off to apply my first decals on my bike! What's with the flag on the rear fender?
Thanks and pleased to hear that you find value in the video. A hair dryer probably won't be hot enough. You could try though and it'll certainly be better than no heat...
I’ve always installed decals using wet method but while plastic is on the bike, so plastics can’t move and is fixed. Is there a better reason for doing it while plastic is off the bike?
How do you apply the fender decals to conform with the contour of the plastics? They are molded for reinforcement so there are grooves and stiffening molded into th fender. The decal lays flat.
Fender decals are usually pretty easy. The technique is the same as shown for the shroud. Where there are complex curves apply heat. take your time and a perfect job can be done...
Thanks. For decal removal you can carefully pull off the old ones and then use some alcohol to remove any old adhesive. If it’s difficult to pull off you can use a heat gun to gently warm the decal.
The method I use is to heat the decal using a hot air gun so it can easily conform to the profile of the plastic panel. You do need to be careful not to over heat the decal though.
I don't think any damage is caused by the ethanol. It is recommended when applying many different types of decals and films, including 3M. The alcohol increases the initial bond strength when the decal is pressed down, which is helpful on curved surfaces. If however you'd like a longer glue setup time you could leave out the alcohol. I find it works well though.
ok thank you, i'm Italian bit based in Indonesia,Bali.. here is quite difficult to find ktm spare part and also quite difficult find online spare part. love your video, so professional
I’ve been doing it like this for over 20 years and never destroyed, or messed up a any decals installing them wet. I’d say you stand a much higher risk of destroying decals by trying to install them dry and it would certainly be very difficult to install them bubble free.
Most modern graphics companies sell application kits which are water based wet install kits similar to this gentleman’s method. Using the wet method is not necessary for people who are comfortable installing. Installing them wet allows “inexperienced” installers to make mistakes without ruining the graphic by peeling it up over and over! Easy and safe. I have been installing this way for years and have never had an issue with them sticking long term.
Been installing these decals for years, wet, and they outlast everyone else's bubbled up non wet installations. BTW you can use windex instead of his concoction
Followed this video over 2 years ago and ended up bubble free, looked professional and has lasted all this time. Revisiting this video now for swapping new graphics 🤙
Great! I always do my new graphics using this method. No stress and results are always very good. The key I find is take your time, always use heat on complex curved areas and don't be afraid to redo a section if it's not perfect (carefully pull up and respray).
I'm deeply afraid I do not have patience required for this work lol
@@JONATHANWCMILLSit pissed me off royally.
The standard of this guys workmanship and his attention to detail is something to behold.
This is the number one video on how to properly install dirt bike graphics. My Beta is very curvy made my Italian Princess Beautiful again!
@@lboughto Pleased to hear that you found the video useful
Thank you for this info and video. It made my 1st decal install look like factory work. My little girl is gonna be happy on her birthday when she sees her made over crf50
That's great and pleased to hear that the method worked well for you.
I saw so many videos about it, and they all did it the dry way.
I my opinion a no go!
Your video was the first good and the better way.👍
Just did the same on my bike without the rubbing alcohol cause i had none! At first i thought i ruined the plastics but sure as shit about three mins in it started to dry i had the heat gun going back and fourth and they look professional and was super fast and not frustrating!!
Thank you for making an informative video, instead of just showing the process with generic music in the background. I don't normally thumbs up, but when I do, it's for videos like this.
I followed your tutorial and successfully installed my first graphics kit, thanks a lot!
How did it go?
This was a great find as I was scrolling through some of your older videos and the timing is great as I'm about to embark on my 1st very decal install. I like the idea of installing the decals on new plastics which got me thinking about ordering a new set of shrouds for my '19 300 XC-W TPI. My bike is in storage so I can't check if the graphics on the shrouds are actual applied decals or embedded in the plastics. I know after 2 years there isn't so much as a corner lifting on them but the same can't be said of the the other decals because the small one on the headlight mask fell off in the 1st 48 hours after taking the bike home from the dealership and the ones on the side number plates have been peeling from about the same time. I looked at the OEM parts lookup on my dealers website checking out the radiator shrouds and it says they come with decal but it doesn't specify whether it's an applied decal preinstalled, the decal comes separately and you have to apply it or that the decal is embedded thus the shrouds aren't naked so to speak. If it's already applied or embedded then not much sense in me ordering a new set I guess. My dealer doesn't know the answer, anyone know if the shroud decals on the '19 XC-W bikes come preinstalled if ordering an OEM replacement set?
The stock shrouds have embedded graphics. You can order the exact same OEM replacement shrouds, or OEM shrouds with no graphics.
Getting ready to apply some decals to curved rear fender and curved number plate panels. Now I am really glad I spent a long time trying first time learning curve to tint windows on a car I had. This is basically the same procedure! Some baby shampoo with mostly water, spray everything down, apply the "sticker" (like the tint), squeegee and then heat gun and squeegee where there are curves. I think I can do this! I already actually have lots of window tinting squeegees that I bought and thought I wouldn't use them again to tint a car. Now I can use them on my moto graphics. Nice. Thanks for vid.
How did they come up with just baby shampoo and water no alcohol,?
Thanks. I've used this method some time ago with success on a company car but I was worried that it might not be compatible with modern m/c decals - and I didn't want to screw up $180 worth of decals.
Most liquor stores sell a grain alcohol called “Everclear”. It is 90% ethanol alcohol and is a not denatured with other types of alcohol, such as methanol. Plus, leftovers can be mixed with grape cool aid to make a fun beverage we called purple passion during my college days! 😂
Wish I had have watched this a week ago! My bike is now known as the bubble bandit!!!! Oh well!!!
It could be worse kid...you could be known as the botty bandit....also it'll float back to the top if you dump it in a river dude when you on the trial...
Same man 😂
Fucking hilarious dude... 🤣😂🤣😂
Just added bubbles and pinholes to mine too.
@@BigPappaLos some people tell me to install dry they say if install wet ibget bubbels in the future
Did this method for my last set of stickers and the results were perfect
Thanks for the video! Seems like some gloves would be a good addition to the process?
I can only find isopropyl alcohol at the hardware store. I don't suppose that's suitable?
Very good video .
Exactly what I needed.
Informative, clear and well presented. As always. Thanks for the video.
Why is it not a concern to scrape across the sticker, given that the application tape is off? Would it not cause small abrasions? (Is it absolutely necessary to remove the application paper first?) Thanks so much for this video! The most helpful one yet I've seen (I'm currently working on applying decals to number plates for bicycles)!
I understand the concern, but unfortunately the protection film crinkles up when the decals are applied to a curved surface, especially if heat is applied. To avoid scratching the surface during application be sure to use a plastic squeegee tool which is in good condition and also spray plenty of application fluid on the surface of the decal to lubricate it. I've found this works well. Note that many decals are not supplied with a protective film anyway.
Extremely useful. Thanks for sharing
Nice video with very clear instructions, what is approximately the heating temperate, or better what would be the maximum allowable temperature for the decals?
When heating the decal I aim to apply the minimum amount of heat required for the decal to relax and conform to the shape of the plastic. I'm guessing this temp is about 50C, but haven't measured it. It not hot enough to burn yourself. Anyway, I recommend you watch the decal carefully while you heat it and stop as soon as it starts relaxing...
Thanks, so using a hair dryer would do the job perfectly.
I doubt a hair dryer would get hot enough. But it would certainly be better than nothing.The hot air gun I have on the medium setting is just about right...
Water,alcohol and dish soap is the same thing vinyl record cleaner is made of. Stuff has all kinds of uses.
Thank you very much for your advice I will go and emulate you on my rookee decal session 🖒
The clear cover you removed first is there to stop scratches during application from the squeegee. This should be removed after you're all done. Greta video though
Aerial Supercars - Unfortunately the clear cover doesn’t stretch with the graphic when heated so needs to be removed. If applying to a completely flat surface and heat is not required you could leave it on though.
I will be putting a decal on an uneven compound surface ..the strips on a 2012 Ducati likes peak...what can I use for squeegee? Dnot have one, didn't buy a kit. Thanks!
Why Ethanol? is that important? Could you use any other type of alcohol? Thanks for the great video.
Can we apply a clear coat of paint on above this kind of decals? Is that way effective?
No, I'm sure the clear would peel off after a short time. I wouldn't recommend it...
Does this work ok on gas tank decals as well. Sometimes the tank decals are perforated, any issues doing it the same way or any other tips/tricks?
Wao i fuck up a side panel and decide to check on RUclips and i see this and it's so easy to do it , Thank you very much
Is that original KTM sixdays decal kit? What is the part number?
I was thinking of wetting the surface before applying the sticker. Maybe a window cleaner?
i found the ethanol in the pharmacy after searching at all of the hardware stores on aruba. my question: which solution does the alcohol have that you use? in the pharmacy they had a 70% and 95% solution. unfortunately i can not decode the japanese lettering on the bottle in the movie.
The ethanol I use is 99.5%. If you have a choice of 70%, or 95% I'd get the 95%.
@@TokyoOffroad You can use windex and it works absolutely perfect; been putting on vehicle decals like these for years and never get a bubble, etc. Use alcohol to wipe the plastic in the beginning, fingers too, then instead of your soapy stuff use windex. Use a lot of it on both the plastic and the adhesive. Cheers.
so if i buy a normal graphic kit i can use water or do i need to buy a special type of graphic kit?
Followed this video's instruction today and put on number decals almost bubble free. My technique needs work.
Yes, it takes a little practice to get perfect results,. Much easier than trying to apply decals dry.
Love all of your videos, I've learned so much thanks to them, thank you. Off to apply my first decals on my bike! What's with the flag on the rear fender?
Do you think hair dryer will do the job? Btw very good video with a lot of value 🙂
Thanks and pleased to hear that you find value in the video. A hair dryer probably won't be hot enough. You could try though and it'll certainly be better than no heat...
I’ve always installed decals using wet method but while plastic is on the bike, so plastics can’t move and is fixed. Is there a better reason for doing it while plastic is off the bike?
I find it easier to work on the side panel and radiator shrouds when they are on the bench. The front and rear fenders are easier when on the bike.
How do you apply the fender decals to conform with the contour of the plastics? They are molded for reinforcement so there are grooves and stiffening molded into th fender. The decal lays flat.
Fender decals are usually pretty easy. The technique is the same as shown for the shroud. Where there are complex curves apply heat. take your time and a perfect job can be done...
Hello..What is that spray what you use in video???
This is the only way to do it. I do all mine and friends graphics. Made a few bucks doing this lol
The ethanol didn't destroy the glue of the decals??
No, it works well. Decals applied using this adhere very well.
Method I intend to use. Thanks!
nice work, do you have a video how to remove old decals ?
Thanks. For decal removal you can carefully pull off the old ones and then use some alcohol to remove any old adhesive. If it’s difficult to pull off you can use a heat gun to gently warm the decal.
where the spray come from? what is it ?
I shall be uploading a video on how to iron a shirt for this gentleman👍🏼
Very helpful vid, Thank you!
what is the price on this decal kit? and can you apply this wet install on any decal?
Full retail price of the graphics kit in Japan is about $180. Yes, I apply all decals wet.
My Graphics would have air bubbles if I put them on in space.
😂
Which apps do you use for this graphics design ??
Nabin arts - This was for a 2015 KTM 250 EXC-F Sixdays
What does the hot air gun help do?
The hot air gun softens the decal plastic, allowing it to conform to curved surfaces without wrinkling.
How is the profile blown?
The method I use is to heat the decal using a hot air gun so it can easily conform to the profile of the plastic panel. You do need to be careful not to over heat the decal though.
thanks, great video
Awesome. Keep up : )
Thank you very much
does the ethonal in the water not damage the glue? Can it be used with any sticker kits?
I don't think any damage is caused by the ethanol. It is recommended when applying many different types of decals and films, including 3M. The alcohol increases the initial bond strength when the decal is pressed down, which is helpful on curved surfaces. If however you'd like a longer glue setup time you could leave out the alcohol. I find it works well though.
Tokyo Offroad Thanks for the reply, water ratio you using? Thank you for great videos you post.
I use about 80% water, 20% alcohol and a drop or two of dish soap
What is the fluid???
80% Water, 20% Ethanol and a few drops of dish soap. See from 1:00 in the video
Hi, where is possible to buy the plastic? (250 exc-f 2016 six days)
Iolly Ph - I ordered the plastics (front fender, rear fender and radiator shrouds) through my local KTM dealer in Japan
ok thank you, i'm Italian bit based in Indonesia,Bali.. here is quite difficult to find ktm spare part and also quite difficult find online spare part.
love your video, so professional
Simply don't add water or anything to modern graphics adhesives. Instantly destroy the decals by doing this!
I’ve been doing it like this for over 20 years and never destroyed, or messed up a any decals installing them wet. I’d say you stand a much higher risk of destroying decals by trying to install them dry and it would certainly be very difficult to install them bubble free.
Most modern graphics companies sell application kits which are water based wet install kits similar to this gentleman’s method. Using the wet method is not necessary for people who are comfortable installing. Installing them wet allows “inexperienced” installers to make mistakes without ruining the graphic by peeling it up over and over! Easy and safe. I have been installing this way for years and have never had an issue with them sticking long term.
Been installing these decals for years, wet, and they outlast everyone else's bubbled up non wet installations. BTW you can use windex instead of his concoction
Best channel