Decal application

[FastDoc]

I damaged one of the 'KAWASAKI' decals on the left radiator shroud of my KLX with the powerwasher. :cry: I know, be careful. I am, and I usually don't even use it on the body but the decal tore anyways. May have not been a good one to begin with. :roll:

In any event I ordered an OEM repalcement ($30 8O ) ans it's fairly big and I don't want to screw it up.

I want to use a homemade decal application fluid I got the recipe for on line. 1 drop handwashing soap, 1 teasopoon isopropol alcohol, and 8oz water in a spray bottle.

My concern is won't this ruin the glue? Is this a good adea? Any other tips?

TIA gentlemen. :wink:

[cheesy]

Sounds good to me, Doc, but I wonder about the purpose of the alky.

We use just a 'this looks good mixture' of liquid hand soap and water in a spray bottle at the shop. Wet the surface good, position the decal, smooth it with a squeegee, have a cup of coffee. We use a cheap plastic bondo spreader for a squeegee. A hunk of plastic milk carton works, too.

Hope this helps.

[FastDoc]

Sounds good but I don't see how the glue 'sets up' when it's wet. Just wondering.

[cheesy]

My best guess is that the glue isn't so much activated as it's just there. The water and soap just provides a frictionless film that allows the decal to be positioned. When the excess water and air is squeegeed out, the minimal film left behind evaporates and the decal is stuck in place.

I just know that it works and the amount of decals I waste has dropped to nil. Just make sure the surface is clean and smooth.

[FastDoc]

OK that's what I'll do! Thanks. :D

I know I'd be pissed if I wadded up a $30 decal... :lol:

[MICRider]

Wayne made some of us decals for our Beast ATV's a way's back... He even did an instructional video on how to apply them on here. I'll have to see if I can find the video, it was pretty good :)

Woot! I actually found it! :) Will wonders never cease? Here's waynev's instructional video on applying decals. Not sure if the decals are the same type as yours Doc but he does use a lubricant and a squeegee to apply them. I applied mine to his directions and they turned out great! 8)

http://s646.beta.photobucket.com/user/waynebrandy/media/P1160311.mp4.html?sort=3&o=151

http://i762.photobucket.com/albums/xx261/MICRider/20120729_100830600x450_zps9c7aecfd.jpg

[FastDoc]

I forgot about that video! Thank you! :P

Wayne very generously made the custom 'Dirt Rat' decals for my original XR200R with the Lifan engine. They went on well and held up great. :D

[SpudRider]

That was a great video! :)

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

I'm gonna assume the glue on decals is all about the same and the same technique applies.

[SpudRider]

I don't know for sure, but I think that's a safe assumption. :?

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

I debated removing the other side's decal. Symmetry by subtraction :D except I really like the way the bikes looks stock.

[MICRider]

I debated removing the other side's decal. Symmetry by subtraction :D except I really like the way the bikes looks stock.

Hear hear! :)
In this day and age when everybody is peeling the decals for the "clean" look I have to admit, I love the decals! Breaks up the lines and gives the bike a little pizzazz! :D

[FastDoc]

I like a fine balance.

You may recall when I bought my YZF it was heavily 'adorned'. I replaced all the plastic with new and gave the good condition decaled plastics to a friend with a same year WR. He loved them, and I applied a minimal amount of OEM type graphics to my 'refurbished' YZF and love the way it looks now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMG_2347_zps916895ad.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMG_9482.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMG_8054-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMG_6959.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMG_7700.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMAG2487.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMG_9916.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/bars018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/bars020.jpg

[FastDoc]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/IMG_1174.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/IMG_2052.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/IMG_0089-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/juniperss003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/DSC08698.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/DSC08695.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/DSC08687.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/DSC08682.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202011/DSC08706.jpg

I though you guys would appreciate my bike washer. :lol:

[Weldangrind]

I though you guys would appreciate my bike washer. :lol:

Didn't notice a bike.

[MICRider]

I though you guys would appreciate my bike washer. :lol:

Didn't notice a bike.

^^What he said^^
:wink:

[FastDoc]

Linda would be flattered. :D

Chicks dig bikes. :lol:

[FastDoc]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/maule/winter%202012/IMG_9101_zpsc4a6adb2.jpg

Thanks for the good advise men, it came out perfect. In the background you can see MTC who performed a CAT scan inspection and approved of my work. 8)

Thanks especially to Wayne (again) for his video. :wink:

[MICRider]

Looks great! Just like new again :)

[FastDoc]

Thank you.

From now on I will be even more careful with the pressure washer. :wink: