Application Instructions

We can’t stress this enough: to get the result you want, you need to follow these instructions and take your time.

Getting installation right is critical to ending up with a good result. But it’s also the part that’s most tempting to rush. 

It’s like we always say … Look Good, Go Slow.

PLASTIC PREPARATION

Proper preparation of your plastics is vital and it’s a 3 step process – let’s get you started!

Here’s what you’re going to need:
- heat gun/hair dryer
- Maxima Suspension Cleaner or similar
- 70% + isopropyl
- clean rags

Step 1: Remove Any Old Stickers

You can’t put new graphics over old stickers. Make sure you get ALL the bits of sticker off, using heat if needed so that you can loosen any residual glue up.

Step 2: Clean All Surfaces

Use Maxima Suspension Cleaner and a rag to thoroughly clean all residue off every single surface. You may need to go over them more than once. Make sure every trace of residue, glue and old sticker has been removed. 

Step 3: Prime All Surfaces

Grab a new clean rag and wipe down everything with the isopropyl. Let it air dry and then go over it again. Take a good look at your plastics under a bright light and make sure you can’t see any shimmer of oils or residue before moving to the next step.

** You need to complete this preparation even if your plastics are brand new. The residue from manufacturing will prevent you getting a good result too!**

CHECK GRAPHICS PLACEMENT

You need to double check the fit BEFORE removing the backing.

Match each piece of the kit to the plastic it’s designed for and check for fit.
If anything doesn’t look quite right, try shifting it around a bit. There will usually be a 3-5mm difference in the size of your graphics compared to your plastics.

Remember, the graphics will be more pliable once you remove the backing and will mould to the shape of your plastics.

If you suspect that any of your pieces won’t fit, please contact us.

GET YOUR KIT ON :)

This can sometimes be easier with another set of hands, so have someone to help you if you can. 

Make sure you start with the simpler pieces. Anyone who’s ever tried to apply a screen protector to a phone will know that even getting rectangles right can be challenging. Bike plastics are way more complicated, so don’t start with the really complex pieces. Start simple, get a feel for how it works and take your time! 

Let’s get started on the next steps:

Step 4: Line The Sticker Up With The Plastic

With the backing still on, line the sticker up on the plastic. Remove one corner of the backing and press it down gently (POINT A). Holding the sticker taut, remove the rest of the backing paper and gently press the opposite corner down as well (POINT B).

If it’s not where you want it to be, you can re-adjust. These stickers can be repositioned multiple times without problems. 

We do not recommend using water or soap on the graphics to ease application, as this is not good for the adhesive and will likely decrease the durability and life of your new kit.

Step 5: Finalise The Position

Run your finger in a straight line between POINT A & POINT B. Using this line as a guide, gently smooth the sticker from the middle out toward the edges - work slowly and smooth any ridges that might appear. You can also adjust POINT A and/or POINT B as needed.

Step 6: Re-Adjust If Necessary

Again, if you’re not happy with how it looks, you can peel off and re-adjust the sticker multiple times.

You should only re-adjust BEFORE applying any heat to the sticker as heat will activate the glue and also make it easy to stretch the graphic too much.

Step 7: Apply Pressure

Once you're happy with the positioning, apply pressure using a clean rag.

Make sure you work your way around the sticker slowly, from the middle out. That will help shape the sticker to the plastic and should help you to smooth out any bumps.

Step 8: Finalise The Fit

Heat is your best friend when applying our graphics – it is vital to have a hair dryer or heat gun on hand when installing your graphics.

The material we use becomes extremely soft and pliable when warmed up, which can make installing around sharp edges or curves, and gently stretching the graphic into place a lot easier.

Be gentle with the heat as you do not want to overheat the graphic. Doing so will make it become too soft, harder to work with and potentially burn it. Work small sections at a time.

Step 9: WAIT

This is the hardest step of all … but you need to let your kit cure for 3-4 days. 

Don’t ride or wash your bike for 3-4 days following installation. 

This will give the glue the best opportunity to adhere to its new surface, and will help your kit to last longer!  

You may find some corners/edges re-lift as they cool down. This is perfectly normal and is dependent on external factors like temperature and humidity.

AND NOW FOR THE LAST STEP …

STEP 10: Repeat the Heat

Go over the whole kit with the heat gun, warming it up with and pressing down on any lifting edges and around all the edges of the graphics.

This will ‘activate’ the glue, and help it adhere strongly to its new surface. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help!