Vinyl application tips - BARF

spicy.ramen · 12-01-2020, 06:57 PM

Hello BARFers!

I'm thinking of trying my hand at some vinyl wrapping. I have a small windscreen that barely goes passed my clocks, and I think it would look really slick if it was a solid color instead of the transparent black that is currently on it. Maybe if I'm comfortable, I can start thinking of putting larger wraps on as well.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get started on something like that? Should I get a bunch of extra vinyl? A heat gun? Thanks!

stangmx13 · 12-01-2020, 08:37 PM

applying vinyl is pretty ez on not-to-crazy surfaces like a windscreen. at a minimum you'll need a hair blow dryer, a spray bottle, and a squeegee scraper thingy. maybe a razor blade too. vinyl is cheap on Amazon. go for it!

ST Guy · 12-02-2020, 11:17 AM

You can always take it off if it doesn't look good. Go for it.

cheez · 12-02-2020, 11:31 AM

I just saw this, and it's one heck of an application for vinyl, but somehow I don't think it's what you're referring to.

https://twitter.com/binitamshah/stat...12919193325575

dravnx · 12-02-2020, 11:37 AM

Have you considered spray painting both sides with flat back? Use a paint specified for plastic. These paints are very durable and easy to work with.

bobl · 12-02-2020, 12:42 PM

Or just paint the inside of the windshield. The clear shield will supply a shiny finished look on the outside.

spicy.ramen · 12-02-2020, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheez

I just saw this, and it's one heck of an application for vinyl, but somehow I don't think it's what you're referring to.

https://twitter.com/binitamshah/stat...12919193325575

LOL yea not quite the project I was imagining. I'll order the pieces since they aren't too expensive.

I'll post pics if they turn out alright and like mentioned before, I'll peel it off in defeat if it doesn't turn out the way I wanted.

Thanks for the replies!

Sharxfan · 12-02-2020, 03:00 PM

I was just thinking about doing some vinyl wrapping on some stuff so I am going to tag this thread to see how it goes for you.

Lucytriple · 12-03-2020, 11:33 AM

All I know is that watching this chick makes me think I could do it. https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlysatisf...rapping_a_car/

Sharxfan · 12-03-2020, 12:08 PM

Uh yeah

, she makes it look super easy but holy shit she must be really good she is doing some high-end cars in that video. But I bet she had lots of practice on hoopties first.

I was just looking into vinyl wrapping a few mags in Kryptec camo to see how it looked. That would be way outside my comfort zone right now.

stangmx13 · 12-04-2020, 11:56 AM

heres a good example of wrapping a complicated shape. this guy is meticulous AF and its still obvious he has a "good enough" state.

youtu.be/CDveyqjpHNU

psychocandy · 12-29-2020, 10:32 PM

Lol. That is an edited video to make it look easy. Vinyl wrap is very much a skill. Compound curves are major pain to do well. That video doesn't show any of those parts. You may discover you have a knack for it, but it's far from easy.

You might also look into Plastidip (or something like that). It's like spray paint, but it's only semi-permanent and very forgiving. The only issue is that it doesn't hold up to chemicals like gasoline very well. It would probably be perfect for a windscreen probably.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucytriple

All I know is that watching this chick makes me think I could do it. https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlysatisf...rapping_a_car/

greenmonster · 12-30-2020, 07:46 AM

My first and only attempt at vinyl wrapping was when I tried to black out some tail lights on my son’s 350Z. Needless to say it didn’t go well. I too watched the videos that make it look easy, went to Tap Plastics and bought the materials and tools but I couldn’t master the application process.
We then took the car to a professional wrapper who put a carbon fiber wrap on the hood in about an hour and it looked fantastic.

dravnx · 12-30-2020, 07:53 AM

I too tried vinyl wrapping the fuel tank on my FJR. I watched all the vids, bought custom cut clear vinyl, spray bottles, alcohol, baby shampoo and the tools. Ended up peeling it off and throwing it away vowing never to try that again.

spicy.ramen · 01-02-2021, 01:49 PM

Alright I got it done finally! Took a while for the vinyl to arrive but I think it turned out ok for my first try. It took me around an hour to get it all done.

Things I've learned:
3M has generous adhesives and I could peel off and adjust the vinyl several times without issues.
Heat eases the application process, but blasting the heat causes more issues.
Patience is the best tool

Sorry about quality, imgur links aren't working for me sadly.

12-01-2020, 06:57 PM	#1
spicy.ramen Newbie Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Berkeley Motorcycles: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Name:	Vinyl application tips Hello BARFers! I'm thinking of trying my hand at some vinyl wrapping. I have a small windscreen that barely goes passed my clocks, and I think it would look really slick if it was a solid color instead of the transparent black that is currently on it. Maybe if I'm comfortable, I can start thinking of putting larger wraps on as well. Does anyone have any tips on how to get started on something like that? Should I get a bunch of extra vinyl? A heat gun? Thanks!

12-01-2020, 08:37 PM	#2
stangmx13 not Stan Contributor BrotoGP Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego CA Motorcycles: 04' 600RR, 09' 600RR, 15' R6 Name: Robert	applying vinyl is pretty ez on not-to-crazy surfaces like a windscreen. at a minimum you'll need a hair blow dryer, a spray bottle, and a squeegee scraper thingy. maybe a razor blade too. vinyl is cheap on Amazon. go for it! __________________ BrotoGP Podcast and on Youtube WERA #513 / AFM #513R / MotoAmerica #31 Follow me on IG @rwpierce13 Thanks to: RiderzLaw Vortex

12-02-2020, 11:17 AM	#3
ST Guy Veteran Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Bay Motorcycles: Honda ST1100 ABS (tweaked here and there) Name:	You can always take it off if it doesn't look good. Go for it. __________________ It's not the answer that enlightens, but the question. - Eugene Ionesco Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them. - Rabindranath Tagore A mind all logic is like a knife all blade. It makes the hand bleed that uses it. - Rabindranath Tagore

12-02-2020, 11:31 AM	#4
cheez Master Of The Darkside Contributor Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Livermore Motorcycles: I'm not picky. Name: Dan	I just saw this, and it's one heck of an application for vinyl, but somehow I don't think it's what you're referring to. https://twitter.com/binitamshah/stat...12919193325575 __________________ 1997 Suzuki GSX600F Katana (Quasimoto the Dirtbag) 2013 Triumph Street Triple R 675cc (Sophia) 2002 Suzuki SV650 Chop (Desert SVed the Dirtbag) 2017 Harley FXDB Dyna Street Bob (//SVART//) 2000 Suzuki DR650 (Dr. Bike) 2004 Yamaha FJR1300AC (The Pensive Parrot) 2004 Suzuki Burgman 650 (Ingrid Burgman) 2003 Honda VTX1800R (Punkin II- riding the darkside) IBA # 57764 \|\| Patriot Guard Rider \|\| FCC: N0CHZ

12-02-2020, 11:37 AM	#5
dravnx Veteran AMA #3018349 BARF Sammich King Contributor +++++++++ Barf Roadside Angel Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: santa rosa, ca Motorcycles: '12 DL650A GMF '17 DL650 '15 FJR1300A Name: Jeff	Have you considered spray painting both sides with flat back? Use a paint specified for plastic. These paints are very durable and easy to work with. __________________ bike X miles=smiles smiles ÷ bike=miles smiles ÷ miles=bike. It's simple math. https://www.directavionics.com/

12-02-2020, 12:42 PM	#6
bobl Veteran Contributor + + + + + + Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Merced, Ca. Motorcycles: ZX6 Kawasaki Name:	Or just paint the inside of the windshield. The clear shield will supply a shiny finished look on the outside.

12-02-2020, 03:00 PM	#8
Sharxfan Veteran Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: with the alligators Motorcycles: SV1000 s Name:	I was just thinking about doing some vinyl wrapping on some stuff so I am going to tag this thread to see how it goes for you.

12-03-2020, 11:33 AM	#9
Lucytriple Wrrrench Contributor + + Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: SF Motorcycles: SV1000, Braap Name: Lucy	All I know is that watching this chick makes me think I could do it. https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlysatisf...rapping_a_car/ __________________ Chronic fixer. Message me if you'd like me to fix something of yours

12-03-2020, 12:08 PM	#10
Sharxfan Veteran Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: with the alligators Motorcycles: SV1000 s Name:	Uh yeah , she makes it look super easy but holy shit she must be really good she is doing some high-end cars in that video. But I bet she had lots of practice on hoopties first. I was just looking into vinyl wrapping a few mags in Kryptec camo to see how it looked. That would be way outside my comfort zone right now.

12-04-2020, 11:56 AM	#11
stangmx13 not Stan Contributor BrotoGP Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: San Diego CA Motorcycles: 04' 600RR, 09' 600RR, 15' R6 Name: Robert	heres a good example of wrapping a complicated shape. this guy is meticulous AF and its still obvious he has a "good enough" state. youtu.be/CDveyqjpHNU __________________ BrotoGP Podcast and on Youtube WERA #513 / AFM #513R / MotoAmerica #31 Follow me on IG @rwpierce13 Thanks to: RiderzLaw Vortex

12-30-2020, 07:46 AM	#13
greenmonster Veteran Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Pleasanton Motorcycles: 2015 BMW R1200RT Name: Ed	My first and only attempt at vinyl wrapping was when I tried to black out some tail lights on my son’s 350Z. Needless to say it didn’t go well. I too watched the videos that make it look easy, went to Tap Plastics and bought the materials and tools but I couldn’t master the application process. We then took the car to a professional wrapper who put a carbon fiber wrap on the hood in about an hour and it looked fantastic. Last edited by greenmonster; 12-30-2020 at 07:48 AM.. Reason: Spelling

12-30-2020, 07:53 AM	#14
dravnx Veteran AMA #3018349 BARF Sammich King Contributor +++++++++ Barf Roadside Angel Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: santa rosa, ca Motorcycles: '12 DL650A GMF '17 DL650 '15 FJR1300A Name: Jeff	I too tried vinyl wrapping the fuel tank on my FJR. I watched all the vids, bought custom cut clear vinyl, spray bottles, alcohol, baby shampoo and the tools. Ended up peeling it off and throwing it away vowing never to try that again. __________________ bike X miles=smiles smiles ÷ bike=miles smiles ÷ miles=bike. It's simple math. https://www.directavionics.com/

01-02-2021, 01:49 PM	#15
spicy.ramen Newbie Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: Berkeley Motorcycles: Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 Name:	Alright I got it done finally! Took a while for the vinyl to arrive but I think it turned out ok for my first try. It took me around an hour to get it all done. Things I've learned: 3M has generous adhesives and I could peel off and adjust the vinyl several times without issues. Heat eases the application process, but blasting the heat causes more issues. Patience is the best tool Sorry about quality, imgur links aren't working for me sadly. Attached Thumbnails Last edited by spicy.ramen; 01-02-2021 at 01:52 PM..

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