HOW TO APPLY RIM AND MOTORCYCLE STICKERS

Wheel rim decals are very simple to apply, whatever the size or surface of the wheel rim, the process remains the same. Below you will find a tutorial to help you correctly apply your motorcycle wheel rim decal kit. Discover how to apply motorcycle wheel rim strips.

First of all, here are the precautions to take:

  • Verify that the rim must be smooth.
  • Clean thoroughly, degrease the rim with soapy water/alcohol. Do not use WD40 or other silicone-based products. The rim must be perfectly clean. Find our special rim cleaning products for stickers here: https://www.m-stickers.com/categorie-produit/nettoyant-jante/
  • Do not handle stickers from the adhesive side.
  • If the stickers are not applied immediately, store them in a dry, sun-protected place.
  •  When applying, choose a location with a temperature of at least 15°C, protected from wind and dust. It is also possible to heat the rim before applying the stickers to ensure good adhesive hold. Too cold a temperature will not allow for optimal sticker adhesion.
  • After application, avoid contact with cold and moisture to ensure good adhesive hold.

What you will need:

– Degreaser/Household Alcohol or Our special sticker cleaner.
A clean cloth
A pair of Scissors
– A raclette (for sale here) Credit card also works.
– Scotch
– Heat gun or hairdryer
– 2 short hours of your time

1- Sticker Preparation:

Motorcycle Rim Decal Kit + Stripes

Stickers are delivered as transfers, and some are grouped, such as rim stripes. They must be separated by cutting them with scissors, then arranging the stickers on the floor or a table with the front rim on one side and the rear rim on the other. Then, firmly run the squeegee over the flat stickers to make them adhere to the transfer and detach more easily. This will improve application.

2- Rim preparation:

Rim Cleaning

Thoroughly clean the rim surface with a degreasing product/household alcohol before applying any sticker. Do not use products containing silicone, such as WD40, or other greasy substances like polishes, creams, etc. If, after cleaning, water beads up, your product is not suitable. Sticker adhesion depends primarily on the cleanliness of the surface.

3- Applying the stripes:

Your wheel rims and decals are ready! It's now time to get serious!

Rim strips

– First, position them without removing the film: place your wheel rim strips and secure them with small pieces of tape. Once the decals are well positioned, you can start the application.

Rim strip application

From one end, pull on the transfer. The sticker should come with it and separate from the paper backing. If the sticker doesn't come off, reapply the transfer and press firmly with the squeegee.

Rim strip decals
Rim strip decal

– You can apply the rim strip with your hands. Then press with the squeegee. 

Rim Strip Installation

– You can then gently remove the transfer by pulling it flat on the wheel rim. Do not pull perpendicularly, otherwise the decal may peel off. Be careful not to handle the sticker on the adhesive side.

4- Applying stickers to interior rims:

The application method for the stickers is the same as for the stripes. 
If you are afraid of applying the decals incorrectly, you can apply them with water:

Water Pose : Spray a little water directly on the wheel rim where you are going to place your decal. The water deactivates the glue for a few moments so that you can reposition the adhesive. Once the adhesive is positioned on the support, you must push the water from the middle towards the edges, using the squeegee, and let it dry for a while. Try to gently remove the transfer; if the adhesive does not stay on the support, you must use the squeegee again and wait.

5- Finalization:

  • Allow 48 to 72 hours for maximum sticker adhesion, allowing the glue to bond with the surface.
  • With this type of application, it is possible to use the vehicle immediately after application.
  • You can heat the vinyl to strengthen the hold of the decals on the wheel rim and for them to take on curved shapes if needed 

Notes: Heating the decals with a heat gun or hair dryer will make them more pliable and eliminate small air bubbles. (Vinyl is not airtight; air naturally escapes over a few days in the sun.)

You now know how to mount motorcycle rim strips!

Decal kit Z750 rear wheel
Decal kit Z750 front rim

VIDEO TUTORIAL: HOW TO APPLY YOUR WHEEL DECAL KIT