How to apply motorcycle decals

Wet application, in eight steps

This is guidance, not the instruction sheet for your product. It describes wet application of decals approved for that method and for gentle shaping.

Step by step

  1. Prepare your tools

    A spray bottle with water and a little additive-free washing-up liquid, a felt-edged squeegee, microfibre cloths, a paint-safe degreaser, masking tape and a hairdryer. Work at 20–35 °C, in the shade and on a cool panel — not one warmed by the sun or by the engine.

  2. Clean and degrease

    Wash the surface thoroughly, then remove grease, wax and silicone with a paint-safe cleaner and wipe dry. Even a thin film of wax or polish residue will stop the adhesive from bonding.

  3. Check the fit

    Before you remove the backing paper, check the position, the cutouts and the clearance from the edges. Plan how the decal will follow the curve; mark the position with masking tape if needed.

  4. Wet both surfaces

    Remove the backing paper. Spray the adhesive side and the panel with water and a little washing-up liquid. Do not touch the adhesive with your fingers and do not soak the backing paper.

  5. Position the decal

    Lay the decal on the wet surface and slide it gently into place. Align the cutouts, leave intakes and openings clear, and never bridge the gap between two panels — the film will split there the first time anything is removed.

  6. Squeegee the water out

    Work the felt-edged squeegee from the centre towards the edges in short, overlapping strokes. Push out water and air, and collect the liquid that runs out with a microfibre cloth.

  7. Shape it gently

    Once the water is out, warm the curves slightly with a hairdryer on a low setting. Keep it moving and press the film down gradually. Stretch it only minimally, and only where the material allows. Do not use a heat gun — its blast will distort the film and can damage the paint.

  8. Leave it to dry

    Keep the motorcycle somewhere dry for at least 24 hours, without riding or washing it. For the following three days do not use a pressure washer: at least 96 hours in total after application.

Before you start, and after applying

After painting, wait at least 3 days

Do not apply decals sooner than three days after painting. Applying too early leaves vapour bubbles under the film: fresh paint is still releasing solvent and needs about three days to do so. If the paint manufacturer states a longer curing and outgassing time, that longer period applies.

Clear coat: no sooner than 3 days after applying

Most decals can be covered with clear coat, but no sooner than three days after they were applied. The adhesive must be completely dry before the decal is clear coated — otherwise vapour bubbles will form under the film. The decal or paint manufacturer may state which types of clear coat may be used and which may not; follow that, and test on a hidden area first. Do not assume every decal can be clear coated.

Protective coating and application tape

The permanent protective coating is part of the decal and is not meant to be peeled off. Removable application tape is present on some products only and extends clearly beyond the outline of the decal. Remove it only once the decal adheres well, pulling slowly and almost parallel to the surface. If the decal lifts with the tape, stop and wait.

Shaping and care

Do not overheat the film or stretch it by force. In deep recesses, follow the instructions for the material. Check the edges once it has dried. Later on, too, never aim a pressure washer jet at the edges of a decal.

Disclaimer

Every manufacturer, and even an individual decal, may have its own application guidance: a different material, a different adhesive, a different laminate and a different shape. This page does not replace it.

If instructions came with the product, or the manufacturer of the motorcycle, the decal or the paint gives its own recommendations, those apply and not this page.

You carry out the application at your own risk. We accept no liability for the consequences of applying a decal contrary to the guidance for that product, or for damage to paint, coating or the decal itself.