Installing Grahics - Yamaha YFZ450 Forum : YFZ450, YFZ450R, YFZ450X Forums

gtilley45 · 08-23-2008, 01:38 PM

I remember seeing several "how do I go about installing my new graphics" posts the last few months. I just put my new ones on a couple days ago, so I figured I'd post the instructions that came with mine. I have followed these instructions with every set of graphics I've ever put on, and it's worked pretty well. So here it goes...........

*You will need the follwing items:
-Rubbing alcohol
-A spray bottle with water
-A clean towel and a credit card or smooth plastic squeegee wrapped in a clean towel
-contact cleaner

1) Drain tank of all fuel and leave the gas cap off to let the tank vent all gas fumes for at least 24 hours prior to the installation of the graphics. Gas fumes in the tank affect the curing of the adhesive causing the graphics to form bubbles. **I didn't do this, I just removed the plastic from the quad as soon as I finished installing the graphics and set the plastic to the side until the graphic adhesive cured.**

2) Remove your old graphics and thoroughly clean the plastic free of dirt, grease, and old adhesive. Contact cleaner speeds up the process. Finish the cleaning process by cleaning area with 100% rubbing alcohol to remove any residue that may hinder the adhesion of the new graphics.

3) Spray the clean plastic with water and then carefully start to peel off the graphic backing while spraying the adhesive side of the graphic with water. Having both the plastic and the graphic thoroughly drenched with water will aid in the repositioning of the graphic without damaging the adhesive.

4) Apply the graphic to the plastic wet and carefully align it to the plastic and/or seat cover. If the graphics and seat cover don't line up, adjust accordingly.

5) Once graphics are aligned, squeegee the excess water out from underneath the graphics with a credit card wrapped in a paper towel. Start from the middle and work your way out.

6) Let the parts fully dry before use. It takes approximately 48 hours for the adhesive to cure. Some corners may peel back the following day; therefore re-squeegee the graphics and let dry to ensure proper curing of the adhesive. If small bubbles do appear, use a small pin to make a hole in the center of the bubble and slowly work the air out through the pin hole.

NOTE:
-Do not heat to speed up the drying process.
-Knee braces my shorten the life of your graphics.
-Drain the gas out of the tank when in storage for long periods of time to prevent bubbling.

Other tips I noticed while doing mine........
-The graphics are more plyable if they're warm. That doesn't mean to heat them, just try to install them during the day when the sun is out and it's pretty warm.
-Try not to touch the sticky part of the graphics anymore than you have to.
-Try not to stretch the graphics too much. It makes them peel off quicker if they are stretched too tight and have constant tension on them. (I think that's one of the big reasons my last set didn't last as long.)
-You are more than likely gonna have to trim the graphics. The area where they go under the seat is a lot bigger than the plastic is, so you'll have to trim off the extra. I usually trim mine off even with the ouside edge of the indentation in the plastic where the seat goes. Because for some reason I can't get the graphics to stick there. So instead of leaving it like that, I trim it off because dirt and water will get up under there and work it's way down into other areas of the graphic and before long, they'll start to come off. I learned that the hard way with the first set I ever did. Just use a razor blade and try not to bear down too hard and leave marks in your plastic.
-The hardest places to make them stick are in the bends and ridges of the plastic. The flat surfaces are really easy, but the little nooks and crannies can be aggrivating.
-Like I said before, I didn't drain my gas tank and all that. I just installed my graphics, then removed all the plastic and sat it over to the side of the garage to let the adhesive cure for 48 hours.

Other than that it's just common sense, patience, and a little work.

**Stix2007** · 08-23-2008, 01:45 PM

great post grant

**leveldrummer** · 08-23-2008, 05:07 PM

something that may help others, i took my entire side plate with radiator shrouds off the bike. fitted that piece first since its the largest and most intricate. after i had that piece set, i put it back on the quad and then lined up the gas tank graphics and the little extra piece under the seat. it may not work with every application, but it made it much easier to put that specific piece on instead working under the front fenders.

grant, why havent you posted a pic of your new graphics yet?

gtilley45 · 08-23-2008, 08:53 PM

I didn't want to do mine that way because I wanted to try to line the graphics up with the seat cover as well as I could. The last set I had, I had them lined up PERFECT with the seat but I had to stretch them quite a bit to make them fit in other places. I think them being stretched so tight is why they didn't stay as well.

I haven't posted pics because I figured everyone that cared already knew what my junk looked like.

**Stix2007** · 08-23-2008, 08:54 PM

I honestly didnt know you could put water under the graphics and apply them. Maybe thats why i thought it was so difficult

gtilley45 · 08-23-2008, 08:57 PM

QUOTE (Stix1107 @ Aug 23 2008, 07:54 PM)

Quote:

I honestly didnt know you could put water under the graphics and apply them. Maybe thats why i thought it was so difficult[/b]

pondy · 08-24-2008, 06:59 AM

my first set i started to use water, but it would never stick, so my new set i put them on dry, they was harder to line up but with a help from a friend and a hair dryer to make them flew more it was alot better

sam

zookeeper · 08-24-2008, 11:05 AM

That is the very best graphics post I have ever read. Several years ago, I installed graphics on my CRF450R and it wasa nightmare. Why? Because I never read the instructions!It wasn't until after I watched a pro install the graphics on my brother's race car that I saw what I'd been doing wrong fro years. Now I use a little dishwashing soap (dawn) in a squirt bottle of clean water, and wet the surface, then lay the graphics face up and wet it down until the graphics are no longer sticky. This gives you the time to set it where you want. I use a new plastic bondo spreader to work the water and bubbles out, and once you start doing that, the stickers stick, even on corners. Let it dry for a day or so and it's done.

gtilley45 · 08-24-2008, 11:41 AM

I have always heard of using soap, but I was told that it'd keep the adhesive from fully curing so I've always just used pure water. I also used to have a bondo spreader, but I lost the damn thing so I've been using a credit card instead.

zookeeper · 08-24-2008, 06:32 PM

The instructions that came with my GT350's rocker stripes gave the "1 tablespoon of water to one gallon water" formula, so I used it, and while it did take a bit of rubbing and massaging, they are VERY solid, even around the door jambs and fender lips. I suspect that's about the ratio the guy who installed my brothers racing numbers (they're 24" tall) used, since he moved them several times before he was happy with where they were.

**CADWELL** · 08-24-2008, 10:33 PM

Great write up Grant

!! I wish this would've been posted like 3 weeks ago,LOL.

gtilley45 · 08-24-2008, 10:41 PM

I can't take the credit for this just because I can read. I just copied the instructions that were printed on the cardboard backing my graphics came on, word for word. Except for the part about installing a seat cover, I skipped that.

Misstify · 08-24-2008, 10:48 PM

Motion to sticky?

**Stix2007** · 08-24-2008, 10:52 PM

motion seconded

gtilley45 · 08-24-2008, 11:13 PM

QUOTE (Misstify @ Aug 24 2008, 09:48 PM)

Quote:

Motion to sticky?[/b]

I can't believe you asked. You're the chick that can make it happen.

Misstify · 08-24-2008, 11:50 PM

Hehe... Just seeing if everyone else agreed.

STICKIED!

gas it!! · 09-02-2008, 02:25 PM

also a great video for installing graphics as well as great install kit.

worked great for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YUTuMpHSfw...feature=related

defiant · 03-13-2009, 10:27 PM

Very good tips given!

Here are a few more tips.....

1. You can use a soap/water mixture to align the graphics up. Once the graphic is set in position, have another spray bottle with a rubbing alcohol/water mixture (75% water/25% alcohol). This will wash off all the soap off and, allow a proper adhesion. *NOTE* You "can" apply the graphics with a soap/water solution and, have it setup fine but, it will take longer to setup and, you will need to make sure ALL the water is out. I like to start with the soap/water because it is far easier to work out any air/water pockets. If you use the alcohol/water, just be careful. The graphics can lock down around a water bubble and, when you go to work out the water it will crease the vinyl.

2. If you have access to one, use a steamer for those tricky corners/contours. A steamer will allow the vinyl to become a lot more pliable but, will not dry it out, or burn, like a heat gun.

3. Once everything is applied and, stuck down. You can go around the boarders and, "lock" down the edges with a heat gun. Keep in mind, heat guns are not hair dryers. Some models will reach temperatures of 1000 degrees. Just heat up the edges and, go over them with the hard card applicator.

^^^^^^That is the method I used to apply my KB motorsport graphix and, GYTR number plates and, I am VERY please with the outcome.

-KB motorsports doesn't build graphics for the laker plastics so, there was some extensive "trimming" involved. Thus, the reason why some of the patterns don't line up but, nonetheless, I am PLEASED!

smootrc · 09-14-2009, 02:09 AM

what do you all use to remove the glue that comes out the edges of the graphics? i just put my DFR's on and waiting a few days for the to cure before i remove it. Didnt want to damage the graphics

Jcarter87 · 09-27-2009, 01:16 AM

Just order your graphics from amr i did and they are super sticky and super thick. Great product for the money and u can even tell em how u want the colors done. No need of all the hastle with other graphics all u need to do is clean plastics well then with rubbing alcohol and slowly put them on it took me 2 hours to do mine. Here is a link for you to check them out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy8eAVXto1Y

08-23-2008, 01:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
gtilley45 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: albertville, alabama Posts: 7,315	I remember seeing several "how do I go about installing my new graphics" posts the last few months. I just put my new ones on a couple days ago, so I figured I'd post the instructions that came with mine. I have followed these instructions with every set of graphics I've ever put on, and it's worked pretty well. So here it goes........... You will need the follwing items: -Rubbing alcohol -A spray bottle with water -A clean towel and a credit card or smooth plastic squeegee wrapped in a clean towel -contact cleaner 1) Drain tank of all fuel and leave the gas cap off to let the tank vent all gas fumes for at least 24 hours prior to the installation of the graphics. Gas fumes in the tank affect the curing of the adhesive causing the graphics to form bubbles. I didn't do this, I just removed the plastic from the quad as soon as I finished installing the graphics and set the plastic to the side until the graphic adhesive cured.* 2) Remove your old graphics and thoroughly clean the plastic free of dirt, grease, and old adhesive. Contact cleaner speeds up the process. Finish the cleaning process by cleaning area with 100% rubbing alcohol to remove any residue that may hinder the adhesion of the new graphics. 3) Spray the clean plastic with water and then carefully start to peel off the graphic backing while spraying the adhesive side of the graphic with water. Having both the plastic and the graphic thoroughly drenched with water will aid in the repositioning of the graphic without damaging the adhesive. 4) Apply the graphic to the plastic wet and carefully align it to the plastic and/or seat cover. If the graphics and seat cover don't line up, adjust accordingly. 5) Once graphics are aligned, squeegee the excess water out from underneath the graphics with a credit card wrapped in a paper towel. Start from the middle and work your way out. 6) Let the parts fully dry before use. It takes approximately 48 hours for the adhesive to cure. Some corners may peel back the following day; therefore re-squeegee the graphics and let dry to ensure proper curing of the adhesive. If small bubbles do appear, use a small pin to make a hole in the center of the bubble and slowly work the air out through the pin hole. NOTE: -Do not heat to speed up the drying process. -Knee braces my shorten the life of your graphics. -Drain the gas out of the tank when in storage for long periods of time to prevent bubbling. Other tips I noticed while doing mine........ -The graphics are more plyable if they're warm. That doesn't mean to heat them, just try to install them during the day when the sun is out and it's pretty warm. -Try not to touch the sticky part of the graphics anymore than you have to. -Try not to stretch the graphics too much. It makes them peel off quicker if they are stretched too tight and have constant tension on them. (I think that's one of the big reasons my last set didn't last as long.) -You are more than likely gonna have to trim the graphics. The area where they go under the seat is a lot bigger than the plastic is, so you'll have to trim off the extra. I usually trim mine off even with the ouside edge of the indentation in the plastic where the seat goes. Because for some reason I can't get the graphics to stick there. So instead of leaving it like that, I trim it off because dirt and water will get up under there and work it's way down into other areas of the graphic and before long, they'll start to come off. I learned that the hard way with the first set I ever did. Just use a razor blade and try not to bear down too hard and leave marks in your plastic. -The hardest places to make them stick are in the bends and ridges of the plastic. The flat surfaces are really easy, but the little nooks and crannies can be aggrivating. -Like I said before, I didn't drain my gas tank and all that. I just installed my graphics, then removed all the plastic and sat it over to the side of the garage to let the adhesive cure for 48 hours. Other than that it's just common sense, patience, and a little work. __________________

08-23-2008, 01:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Stix2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 2,895	great post grant __________________ 270-774-1982

08-23-2008, 08:53 PM	#4 (permalink)
gtilley45 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: albertville, alabama Posts: 7,315	I didn't want to do mine that way because I wanted to try to line the graphics up with the seat cover as well as I could. The last set I had, I had them lined up PERFECT with the seat but I had to stretch them quite a bit to make them fit in other places. I think them being stretched so tight is why they didn't stay as well. I haven't posted pics because I figured everyone that cared already knew what my junk looked like. __________________

08-23-2008, 08:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
Stix2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 2,895	I honestly didnt know you could put water under the graphics and apply them. Maybe thats why i thought it was so difficult __________________ 270-774-1982

08-24-2008, 11:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
zookeeper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NorCal Posts: 681	That is the very best graphics post I have ever read. Several years ago, I installed graphics on my CRF450R and it wasa nightmare. Why? Because I never read the instructions!It wasn't until after I watched a pro install the graphics on my brother's race car that I saw what I'd been doing wrong fro years. Now I use a little dishwashing soap (dawn) in a squirt bottle of clean water, and wet the surface, then lay the graphics face up and wet it down until the graphics are no longer sticky. This gives you the time to set it where you want. I use a new plastic bondo spreader to work the water and bubbles out, and once you start doing that, the stickers stick, even on corners. Let it dry for a day or so and it's done. __________________ ASSUMPTION IS THE MOTHER OF ALL SCREW-UPS

08-23-2008, 05:07 PM	#3 (permalink)
leveldrummer Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: south of atlanta, GA Posts: 7,360	something that may help others, i took my entire side plate with radiator shrouds off the bike. fitted that piece first since its the largest and most intricate. after i had that piece set, i put it back on the quad and then lined up the gas tank graphics and the little extra piece under the seat. it may not work with every application, but it made it much easier to put that specific piece on instead working under the front fenders. grant, why havent you posted a pic of your new graphics yet?

08-24-2008, 06:59 AM	#7 (permalink)
pondy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 1,210	my first set i started to use water, but it would never stick, so my new set i put them on dry, they was harder to line up but with a help from a friend and a hair dryer to make them flew more it was alot better sam

08-24-2008, 11:41 AM	#9 (permalink)
gtilley45 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: albertville, alabama Posts: 7,315	I have always heard of using soap, but I was told that it'd keep the adhesive from fully curing so I've always just used pure water. I also used to have a bondo spreader, but I lost the damn thing so I've been using a credit card instead. __________________

08-24-2008, 06:32 PM	#10 (permalink)
zookeeper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NorCal Posts: 681	The instructions that came with my GT350's rocker stripes gave the "1 tablespoon of water to one gallon water" formula, so I used it, and while it did take a bit of rubbing and massaging, they are VERY solid, even around the door jambs and fender lips. I suspect that's about the ratio the guy who installed my brothers racing numbers (they're 24" tall) used, since he moved them several times before he was happy with where they were. __________________ ASSUMPTION IS THE MOTHER OF ALL SCREW-UPS

08-24-2008, 10:41 PM	#12 (permalink)
gtilley45 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: albertville, alabama Posts: 7,315	I can't take the credit for this just because I can read. I just copied the instructions that were printed on the cardboard backing my graphics came on, word for word. Except for the part about installing a seat cover, I skipped that. __________________

08-24-2008, 10:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
Misstify ~ Bad Azz EX Admin ~ Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 3,348	Motion to sticky? __________________ Ex Admin

08-24-2008, 10:52 PM	#14 (permalink)
Stix2007 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 2,895	motion seconded __________________ 270-774-1982

08-24-2008, 11:50 PM	#16 (permalink)
Misstify ~ Bad Azz EX Admin ~ Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Omaha, Nebraska Posts: 3,348	Hehe... Just seeing if everyone else agreed. STICKIED! __________________ Ex Admin

09-02-2008, 02:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
gas it!! Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Torrance, CA Posts: 1,463	also a great video for installing graphics as well as great install kit. worked great for me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YUTuMpHSfw...feature=related

03-13-2009, 10:27 PM	#18 (permalink)
defiant Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Urbandale, IA Posts: 894	Very good tips given! Here are a few more tips..... 1. You can use a soap/water mixture to align the graphics up. Once the graphic is set in position, have another spray bottle with a rubbing alcohol/water mixture (75% water/25% alcohol). This will wash off all the soap off and, allow a proper adhesion. NOTE You "can" apply the graphics with a soap/water solution and, have it setup fine but, it will take longer to setup and, you will need to make sure ALL the water is out. I like to start with the soap/water because it is far easier to work out any air/water pockets. If you use the alcohol/water, just be careful. The graphics can lock down around a water bubble and, when you go to work out the water it will crease the vinyl. 2. If you have access to one, use a steamer for those tricky corners/contours. A steamer will allow the vinyl to become a lot more pliable but, will not dry it out, or burn, like a heat gun. 3. Once everything is applied and, stuck down. You can go around the boarders and, "lock" down the edges with a heat gun. Keep in mind, heat guns are not hair dryers. Some models will reach temperatures of 1000 degrees. Just heat up the edges and, go over them with the hard card applicator. ^^^^^^That is the method I used to apply my KB motorsport graphix and, GYTR number plates and, I am VERY please with the outcome. -KB motorsports doesn't build graphics for the laker plastics so, there was some extensive "trimming" involved. Thus, the reason why some of the patterns don't line up but, nonetheless, I am PLEASED! __________________ YFZ470 Defiant Tested-Heartland Challenge Approved

09-14-2009, 02:09 AM	#19 (permalink)
smootrc Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Odessa, MO Posts: 152	what do you all use to remove the glue that comes out the edges of the graphics? i just put my DFR's on and waiting a few days for the to cure before i remove it. Didnt want to damage the graphics __________________ 05 YFZ450 Eddie Sanders 98mm Big Bore, 12.5: 1 CP Piston, Hinson Clutch, Cam Mod, 42mm Carb, FCI Intake, K&N Filter, Full Rossier Exhaust, Carb Spring Mod, HO Stator & HID headlight kit +4 swinger, +2 A-Arms, Current work - porting head 07 white dodge 2500 diesel w/22'' matte black KMC monsters 03 Chevy S10 on 22's

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09-27-2009, 01:16 AM	#20 (permalink)
Jcarter87 Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 13	Just order your graphics from amr i did and they are super sticky and super thick. Great product for the money and u can even tell em how u want the colors done. No need of all the hastle with other graphics all u need to do is clean plastics well then with rubbing alcohol and slowly put them on it took me 2 hours to do mine. Here is a link for you to check them out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy8eAVXto1Y