Applying Stickers

[CocoLoco]

I have a Williams Brewing sticker I want to put on the bike and I want to make sure it doesn’t fade or deteriorate so I plan to put a sealant coat over it. I’ll watch the YouTube’s for the general particulars. Anyone got any pro tips they’d like to share to make sure it comes out tops? This will be the first attempt at something like this for me.

 

[afm199]

Yes, forget it. The only sealant that will really last is a clear coat, which is a two part process done by pro painters. You will want to clear coat the entire fender, tank, or fairing you spray, or you will have a variation.

 

[CocoLoco]

Oh, that’s going to cost unless I knuckle down and do the whole thing on my own. At the end I’ll have the kit for working on any smallish plastic bits...or a completely bungled job.

Thanks for the warning, Ernie. I have some more planning and consideration to do.

 

[GPzPop]

Stickers applied to your garage tool box don't fade in the sun as much

Just sayin'

 

[Pushrod]

Careful there. . . .the incorrect balance of stickers on a motorcycle can result in unexpected acceleration and performance enhancements.

 

[CocoLoco]

Currently only have one sticker discretely placed on windscreen. All other stickers were removed immediately after I got the bike to minimize unexpected throttle over rotation.

 

[RVFRick]

The quality of the ink, substrate and the adhesive determine the overall life of a sticker. The UV component of sunlight is the most damaging to stickers, specifically their inks. Wear sunscreen, folks!

Stickers are printed using either spot colors (custom mixed colors) or a 4-colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black). The yellow ink is the least fade resistant.

A clear topcoat can help resist fade. Just make sure it has UV inhibitors as part of its formulation.

Quality stickers already have UV clear coats. Inks are often "UV cured" - meaning they are applied wet and then solidified in a UV light box. Ironic, huh?

Old stickers never die, they just fade away.....

 

[Schnellbandit]

Get the image as a file and have it printed at one of those sign making places. They can print it on a sticky back material that will last more years than you'll like the sticker. I thinks its the same stuff used for car wraps. I had some stickers put on a car for someone, 10 years later it looks like new.

 

[Tri750]

Get several of them, apply one. When it fades, remove and slap on another if the mood still strikes you.
If it's a cheap sticker (paper) put down some good clear packing tape, then the sticker over it . Trim carefully .
Same, when it fades, the tape will allow it to peel off easily. Remove residue with goof off or WD40.
Start over.

 

[Sportbiker]

I have used 3M clear tape (don't know the right name) on top of the sticker and it has worked well.Maybe the same material as the clear bra used for protecting paint on expensive cars.