6. I just got my Tank/Shroud graphics for my bike. Is there anything I need to do to prep my tank before applying the graphics?
Drain the gas and let the tank air out and dry for a day or two. We’ve seen best results when the drying time is increased to a week or more. This allows all of the gas to evaporate. Then clean the sides of it thoroughly. Use soapy water to clean the sides and rinse it well, then let it dry. Some people spray or brush several coats of clear coat over the sides of the tank to better seal it and prevent the fumes from escaping. If you do this, make sure the clear coat is petroleum safe, and will not be dissolved by the gas fumes. If the clear coat is not petroleum safe then it will break down and actually increase the degredation of the graphics.
After the tank is cleaned, clear coated and thoroughly dry, use a little bit of dish soap in a bucket of clean water and wipe or spray the soapy water solution onto the tank. Get it nice and wet, then peel off the backing of the graphics and while there is still lots of soapy water on the tank, apply them. Windex can also be used in place of the soapy water. The graphics will slip and slide around until you get them in place and then use a squeegy to press them down and swipe all the soapy water out from under them. This pressure will activate the adhesive and cause it to stick to the tank.
Keep swiping the soapy water out until it is all gone. Be careful not to scrape the vinyl, so you do not accidentally rip the graphic off as you are swiping with the squeegy.
Then let the graphics dry for several hours or better yet, overnight. Fill the tank with gas and go show off your sweet new graphics. Oh.. and don't forget to turn the gas valve back on.
7. I've never applied my own graphics before. How do I apply these new XGX graphics?
Remove all dirt, oil, and grease with soapy water. Once they're clean, do not touch mounting surface, the oils in your hands will affect adhesion. This is the most important step in successful graphic application. If you are applying to new plastic or paint, lightly scuff application surface with fine steel wool or scratch pad.
· We recommend spraying or wiping a soapy water/alcohol solution onto the plastic to allow the graphics to slide around before final placement. Some types of Window Cleaner will work as well.
· Align graphic with any interior holes, this is usually easier and more precise than using the perimeter.
· Lay plastic down on flat surface.
· Lightly place the graphic on the plastic. Do not push down on graphic until alignment is finalized. Do not try to slide graphic to proper alignment. We use a pressure sensitive adhesive, which allows for peeling and replacing if pressure is not used.
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Once you are happy with the alignment, begin applying pressure to graphic beginning at the center and moving outward to the edges, pressing out fluid and being careful to press out any bubbles. We suggest using the backing paper between the graphic and applicator to avoid "digging in" to the vinyl. Be sure to apply ample pressure especially at the edges. Allow graphics to sit for 24 hrs. prior to riding. We also advise re-applying pressure to the graphics after a couple of hours, especially if using an application fluid to ensure complete bonding.
If you encounter bubbles that cannot be rubbed out, take a sewing needle and prick the bubbled vinyl a number of times and reapply pressure. This allows the air to escape and the graphic to contact the plastic. If you are having trouble getting the graphics to stick on to the plastics, try using a heat gun or blow dryer. Make sure you don’t get it too hot, or it may melt the graphics. This is just helpful to let the liquid underneath evaporate to allow the graphics to ahere to the plastics and conform around the edges.
