HD Forums Australia
Home
Online: Retroman
Topics

Decals -

  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    2 years ago
    Take the protective film off the back of the sticky part....the rest is easy.
  • 408
    408
    2 years ago
    Easier to do them wet and get a better job. Couple of videos on youtube.

    Clean the tank with wax/grease remover or isopropyl alcohol.
    Sometimes use a couple of pieces of masking tape to help locate the decal, set back from its desired position.
    Use a detergent mix to spray on the tank, and on the back of the decal when the film has been peeled off.
    Put the decal in place on the tank, then slide it around to get it exactly where you want it.
    Use an old credit card or similar to squeegee out the air bubbles working from the centre outwards.
    Allow to dry.

    I did the protective film on the rear fender using this method. Works a treat.
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    2 years ago
    I would be clear coating them in tbh unless the instructions say they are weather proof.
    If your clear coating then best to prep the entire tank prior to the decals so then all you have to do is spray.
    I was thinking of say a 600-800 grit wet sand or a red scotch brite to give the clear something to grip to. 
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    2 years ago
    Easy enough to print nowadays onto clear or white water transfer paper with a color laser or office works.  I have a CriCut Explore machine thats just the bees knees for cutting these things out. 
  • beaglebasher
    beaglebasher
    2 years ago
    Send a pic of the decals youre gonna be putting on the bike wombat.
    Personally I am not a fan of stickers on the tank. I have the 3-D  Harley Davidson badges on mine .
    A mate has a very similar bike to mine and when they are sitting side by side the difference is noticable.
    Each to their own but.
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    2 years ago
    In my mind the decals on a tank MUST not be raised above the paintwork (unless they are are 3D steel or the like).  The side of the tank should be smooth as...
  • Pedro123
    Pedro123
    2 years ago
    Beware the thinner based clear coat Wombat. It can destroy certain decals.
    It will crinkle and melt some of them.
  • beaglebasher
    beaglebasher
    2 years ago
    20220825_192710.jpg
  • beaglebasher
    beaglebasher
    2 years ago
    It might be worth having a look what sort of badges are available that might suit your bike.


  • tussuck
    tussuck
    2 years ago
    Quoting Pedro123 on 25 Aug 2022 05:48 AM

    Beware the thinner based clear coat Wombat. It can destroy certain decals.
    It will crinkle and melt some of them.

    Agree, I would use a top quality 2K clear.  For a tank you can get by with a single can of oddly enough but buy 2 and then have a good thick clear layer (the can will have a button on the base that gets pressed to release the hardener - no button on the bottom means its 1k which is thinners/solvent based vs. a catalytic harder system of 2k).  It will do about 3 coats. 

    Get the good stuff like "Normfest™ 2K High-Gloss Clearcoat (Klarlack)" - I have used this stuff and its good...the spray nozzle is a fan pattern like a professional spray gun and you get about 48 hours of time before it sets in the can once activated - or a week if you store it in a fridge.  They all cost about $55-$65 a can.   

    Most car paint supply stores sell the stuff.   I am lucky that I live 10 mins from DNA Paints so can pop down and pickup.  https://www.dna-paints.com/shop/clears-intercoats/aerosolclear/


Topics