The following are general instructions for applying STICKERHAUZ Motorcycle Paint Protector transparent protective films to motorcycles, their parts, and other vehicles.
Storage
STICKERHAUZ Motorcycle Paint Protector protective films must always be stored in cool, dry places away from the sun. Before being applied, the protective film should be adapted to required moisture and temperature conditions: an indoor climate of 40% to 50% relative humidity and a temperature of +18° to +22°C (+65°F to +72°F) is ideal. If the conditions mentioned above are radically altered, dimensional changes in the protective paper may result. A consequence would be inadequate flatness of the self-adhesive material and dimensional deviations of the pieces.
Procedure
The application process should be done in dust, wind and no direct sun-controlled area or room. The environment temperature should be +18°C (65°F) or above to allow for the rapid evaporation of residual moisture and achieve the required bond strength.
Clean the vehicle's surfaces thoroughly before applying the STICKERHAUZ Motorcycle Paint Protector film. The vehicle should generally be cleaned with conventional cleaning agents. The surfaces to be bonded must always be additionally cleaned with IPA isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). This will remove most efficiently all residues of previously used cleaning agents, wax and debris from painted areas. Thoroughly dry the surfaces, and use a hot air blower to remove any residual moisture.
Note:
Solvent residues owing to improper cleaning or a recent paint job may result in blisters forming between the film and the base and affect adherence. Ensure that films are only bonded to completely dry and hardened coating finishes. As a rule of thumb, allow a minimum drying period of three weeks.
Film application procedure
STICKERHAUZ Motorcycle Paint Protector protective films shall be processed like common polymeric car wrapping PVC films. If you need help with your experience correctly applying films, please refer to your local window tint shop for installation assistance.
We recommend the wet bonding procedure as follows:
- Prepare a spray bottle of low surface-tension water mixture (water + a few drops of dishwashing detergent). To ensure quick adhesion of the adhesive, 20% IPA isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) should be added to this mixture (not cleaner’s naphtha or glass cleaner);
- Spray the painted surface with the mixture. Ensure there is no lint left on the surface;
- Spray fingertips and the edge of the film you are pulling up. Do not touch the dry, sticky surface of the film with dry fingers.
- Spray the opened adhesive side of the film with a water mixture;
- Place the film on the already wet surface to be bonded. The big advantage is that the piece can be easily positioned at this stage. If a sheet of the film doesn`t slide, add an extra drop of water mixture;
- Spray lightly with water mixture over the film's top surface and press down the film with overlapping wiping movements with the squeegee. Never squeegee on a dry surface. Make sure that water trapped between the base and the adhesive is completely pressed out;
- Any cloudiness of the adhesive developing after the application usually disappears after 3-5 days, i.e. once the residual moisture has evaporated and the adhesive has reached its ultimate bond strength.
After completion of the work
The motorcycle or the part of it with freshly applied protective films should be kept at the bonding temperature for at least another 24 hours. In the case of dark bases, a light haze may persist. After about 3 days, the film has reached its optimum ultimate bond strength so that the motorcycle may be taken to a car wash without hesitation. Wait at least three weeks before treating film-coated surfaces with polishing agents. Only wax-free, water-based plastic polishes should be used. Do not clean film-coated surfaces with high-pressure cleaners and caustic chemicals.
Removal info
The precondition for removing the film is a base and ambient temperature of not less than +20°C (68°F). Carefully remove the film at an edge by means of a knife and slowly peel it off at an angle of 180°. The use of a hot air blower considerably facilitates this operation. In the case of very old films, adhesive residues may stay on the base, which is easily removed with an adhesive remover.
These Processing Instructions are based on our knowledge and experience. They do not comprise explanations of every aspect to be considered during film bonding. Specific knowledge and skills of window tint technicians or bonding specialists may be brought. A guarantee of specific properties cannot be derived from this information.
