Vinyl application tips

[spicy.ramen]

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]

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]

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

 

[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/status/1330512919193325575

 

[dravnx]

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]

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

 

[spicy.ramen]

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/status/1330512919193325575

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]

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]

All I know is that watching this chick makes me think I could do it. https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlysatisfying/comments/bxz854/this_girl_wrapping_a_car/

 

[Sharxfan]

Uh yeah :wow, 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]

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]

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.

All I know is that watching this chick makes me think I could do it. https://www.reddit.com/r/oddlysatisfying/comments/bxz854/this_girl_wrapping_a_car/

 

[greenmonster]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Charlotte]

Nice!

Looks awesome! I Just spiced up my Suzi. I actually got the vinyl from Michaels, not kidding. They had 2 brands of permanent vinyl, one had nearly twice as much for the same price, sooo thats what I chose. Wouldnt have been able to have such a good finish free of air bubbles with out the hair dryer and soapy water. Lots of puzzled looks when I point to the 'S' :laughing
Got confident and bought some black to do a large section in place of a tank pad from the gas cap to the seat. That was much harder and took much more patience. Can hardly see it though :thumbup

 

[DannoXYZ]

here's how to do bike panels


youtu.be/G4SgKN0oGfQ

 

[berth]

Looks awesome! I Just spiced up my Suzi.

The green highlights look really nice.