getting graphics to STICK to an xp
- Thread starter mikes99ss
- Start date
yamahauler
Active member
I know this may be obvious but make sure the surface is very clean and that you are putting them on when it is the correct temp outside.
Maybe a call to the manufacturer would give you some tips or tricks.
Maybe a call to the manufacturer would give you some tips or tricks.
caged_beagle
Member
As yamahauler said, obviously make sure the surface is spotless. NO oils, solvents of any kind. Sometimes a heat gun will accelerate the degree of adhesion, but be careful not to get the heat too close to the graphic or they can melt. Try applying the decals dry, if you have been trying the "wet" method. Use masking tape to mock-up where the print goes, then pull the liner off and start to squegee from one end out to the edge. If that doesnt work, in the vehicle graphics/wrap business there is such a thing as a pen that will seal the edges of graphics. Google seal it pen, or Fellers online catalog.
Heres a link to one I got in just a quick search:http://richardsonsupply.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SEAL&Category_Code=VS_MI
Sometimes, unfortunately vinyl will not adhere to some types of plastics. Just the other day a customer wanted some stickers for a gun case. No problem, right? Wrong! No matter what, these things would not stick to the plastic. You could also just inquire as to what kind of vinyl your vendor is printing to and if he possibly had a vinyl with a more aggressive tack to it that he could try.
Those are my ideas, good luck!
Heres a link to one I got in just a quick search:http://richardsonsupply.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SEAL&Category_Code=VS_MI
Sometimes, unfortunately vinyl will not adhere to some types of plastics. Just the other day a customer wanted some stickers for a gun case. No problem, right? Wrong! No matter what, these things would not stick to the plastic. You could also just inquire as to what kind of vinyl your vendor is printing to and if he possibly had a vinyl with a more aggressive tack to it that he could try.
Those are my ideas, good luck!
1blue99srx600
New member
After I applied mine, I took the heat gun and ran it over the decals lightly, I was told this is supposed to help get them to adhere more, like caged beagle said as well. I also started with the wet method but found it was a pain to get all the liquid out and I hardly sprayed any!, in some spots I still think there is some underneath. I finally decided to go with the dry approach. I have one piece that is peeling off on my trunk but I think it's because I did not squeegee the end enough. (Man that's a tough word to spell).
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indy_500
Well-known member
i would go over them again with a heat gun, i do that every so often with my stickers i slap all over the place and it seems to work well.
btw if you don't have a heat gun, i got mine at harbor freight tools for $8. 1 switch is for around 500 degrees and the 2nd switch goes up to 1000 degrees.
btw if you don't have a heat gun, i got mine at harbor freight tools for $8. 1 switch is for around 500 degrees and the 2nd switch goes up to 1000 degrees.
indy_500
Well-known member
his aren't oem
Thanks for pointing that out to me Indy... I already knew that though, by reading his post! Don't be so quick to get on someone like so many others on this site nowadays!
What I was saying, was the OEM decals stick, so should his, providing they are expensive ones like he stated and should be of good quality.
i read it as indy was just trying to help you out. why would you say that if you already knew, i was puzzled myself. you should heed your own advice about not jumping on people.
I had them put on at a shop so i really am not sure if they were heated when put on or not. Thanks for all of the help!!!
mjkaliszak
New member
mikes99ss: Sharp looking sled. What kind of graphics ( made by who ) ? I have a 09 800R with an ArticFX kit on it and had no adhesive failure. I bought the installation kit from them, it consisted of 3 Rapidtac products and a squeegee. The wrap has been on for 2 seasons now, also used a heat gun ( a good 1 with variable heat ranges). There is a product out there called 3M Super Adhesive ( spray ) comes in an aerosol can. It was expensive years ago but might be worth looking into.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
lol! and why did u comment?
mjkaliszak
New member
If you go to this link (http://www.arcticfxgraphics.com/index.php )
The installation kit they sell. There were 3 pump spray bottles , a prep, a application fluid, and a remover. Here is Rapidtac's phone # 1-800-350-7751 out of Merlin Oregon.
Call them,tell them what you have and see what products they can recommend. Actually , I have 2 sleds with graphics from ArticFX and 2 more friends that we ride with that have them. No problems on all 4 sleds.
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