Topic: Vinyl Wrapped Tanks and Sidecovers. Ever been done?

[OneWheelDrive]

I'm planning my rebuild, and am considering vinyl wrapping my tank, cafe seat, side covers, fenders, and helmet in vinyl.  I've done the rattle can approach in the past, but was wondering if this has been done as an easy alternative to prep, sand, spray, sand, spray, sand, spray, sand, polish.  I would think fuel interaction would be an issue on the tank, but 3M for example says it is protected against fuel as long as it is wiped off quickly.  There are so many options for color, texture, even custom printing that I think you could have a great looking finish for about the same price as a $50 rattle can job.  Thoughts? Experiences? Criticisms?

[bikerbart]

Oh yeah,Its been done alright.

[Really?]

I have thought about this as well.  Just like Johnny 5 says, need more input!

[mono]

sure you can vinyl wrap - and yeah the stuff is pretty gas-resistant.  I don't know the stretching capabilities of the vinyl, but it must be pretty good if it can get around the contour of a bumper, so you should be good, i'd think.  to avoid having a seam, i'd probably create the design to be put on from the top down in one piece, stretching the vinyl over the contour of the tank and so there are no seams.

i think it's a great idea for an alternative to painting

[OneWheelDrive]

Hmm, spraymax 2k over vinyl? 

[nayto550]

Yes, it has been done once or twice.  I think people mostly do it for relatively inexpensive custom graphics rather than an easy alternative to regular paint.  I would really doubt that $50 would cover the application of vinyl on the whole bike, though.

Air bubbles and compound curves come to mind. A decal or decals is one thing-a whole tank is another. Most clear coat over vinyl decals and designs. Maybe try some monocote

rt

The vinyl wraps are very differant than vinyl decals, and will wrap a gas tank with minimal headache.

How to Vinyl Wrap A Motorcycle Tank

[Rgconner]

The site he names, Hexis, does colors based on Pantone.

Anyone got codes for colors in Pantone?

[phil71]

you should see if you can get a sponsor .. maybe red bull? they seem to wrap just about everything.

[nomad]

http://vizikoat.com/

http://monstertrans.com/store/categories/ViziKoat/

This is more expensive than what you're looking to do, but it seems like a good alternative to painting... if you're wanting off the wall graphics.  They originally came out with it to coat transmissions (I have no idea why) so I'm guessing it'll stand up to oil/ gas.

I originally saw it on Gearz.  They had a transmission (sharp bends, nooks and crannies) evenly coated with it and it looked pretty good (at least on tv).

Check this out...

[OneWheelDrive]

[mono]

Anyone got codes for colors in Pantone?

just google "pantone color codes" - you'll get millions of hits.

[Rgconner]

Anyone got codes for colors in Pantone?

just google "pantone color codes" - you'll get millions of hits.

Yeah, but how does that translate to "Candy Jade Green" if that is the wrap I want?

I am thinking it is cheaper than a new paint job.

[jamesb]

you will need to invest in a window tint squeegee so you can work out the air bubbles it will take two people to do this as far as the contours go maybe a heat gun will help and i said maybe. I've got gas on my vinyl and i haven't had any problems but of course i wipe it off immediately.they use the clear vinyl stuff on cars to prevent rock chips and road debres.the only problem is getting little nicks and scratches in it.

[OneWheelDrive]

The next question, is how much do I order?  Sounds like the rolls are 60" long, so maybe 24"x60" will get the job done?

[lucky]

The site he names, Hexis, does colors based on Pantone.

Anyone got codes for colors in Pantone?

Most art stores have pantone color guides.

[Rgconner]

The site he names, Hexis, does colors based on Pantone.

Anyone got codes for colors in Pantone?

Most art stores have pantone color guides.

I KNOW!

But that does not give me a translation to Honda colors.

Means that I, with an untrained eye for color, have to go figure out what looks "right" based on a color I have never actually seen, since mine is faded.

Which is likely going to be wrong. But I though someone, with a trained eye, might have made a chart matching up the colors.

[Really?]

I actually the thought the video made it look easy other than the time consuming part.

[phil71]

just paint the dammed thing.. in the time it took to talk about this, you could have prepped and applied 3 coats <sigh>.

[Anjos]

Thanks for sharing this information on vinyl wrapped tanks and side covers. Last month, hired a reputed graphic design company for getting my trade show displays designed. Loved their work and hopefully can get them printed in high quality too.

[BomberMann650]

Vinyl wrapping is good if you have an extremely wild and crazy graphic idea.

Like a scarlett johannsen collage

[greenjeans]

Yes, you could wrap it.  Yes, some of the materials are pretty tough (for fuel). You could even laminate it with another layer.  If it is pigmented vinyl it is not necessary.  If it is printed, you would need a laminate or a protective coating.  I'd be shock if you could find anybody to wrap a tank and 2 side covers for less than $200 or so.  The vinyl does have its limitations.  A CB gas tank is a big giant compound curve.

[78whiteorbs]

The skill involved with wrapping a tank is none greater/easier than painting one. I have done both with excellent results and can speak from experience .

My advice: paint it. Wrapping is not easier- As mentioned it is a cool "tool" to have in your bag especially for photo realistic graphics and elaborately designed tank schemes but you must pay your dues either way...no easy way out.
My advice, by a cheap harbor frieght purple hvlp spraygun and look on craigslist for people selling auto paint. Get a few dummy tanks and hust watch some you tube vids or jump in feet first and get bizzy learning. Or pay somebody.
I just got 5 gallons off ppg clear for $50(about $5000 worth of paint and catalyst!)
I shoot it over there base or napa crossfire base which you can get virtually any color from any car . after you shoot through your first gallon you will have skills enough to paint for friends and make a few bucks for motorcycle parts on the side. May the force be with you! Go out and learn something. There is no easy way-get busy!

[Camrector]

http://www.ct70paint.com/jade-green.html

[78whiteorbs]

FYI - Rescue Metallic Green ( a Jeep paint code ) is a very close match to the Candy Jade Green- see here
Easier and cheaper to come by too and if you screw it up you dont have to wait for more to get shipped. If you are halfway decent with spraybombs then you should at least be able to graduate to the preloaded spraymax cans.

[b52bombardier1]

That paint is plenty close enough for my green bike repaint. Thank you. Paint code noted.

Rick

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