Windex, Soap and Water, Dry? What Works Best to Install Dirt Bike Graphics

[@ShawnBlais]

Using the wet methods, you need to use a squeegee to push out the water, and also supposed to spray the back of the sticker as well, so you can really slide it around easily.

[@GregHitchko]

I had a credit card ready if I needed to squeegee the water out but I never used enough water to get it soaking like that, never needed to. Thanks for including that!

[@tomatdb52]

I did half of my 2018 KX250F today with the dry method. Oh boy, that wasn’t easy! Not a single flat part. I’ve got the shrouds and the left number plate to do tomorrow. I’ll try the soap ‘n water method then. Thanks for great videos! 🙏🏼

[@Squinn0303]

Nothing better than fresh graphics!

[@9ers4ever88]

Just tried the windex method. Worked really well, thanks!

[@GregHitchko]

Right on! Glad it worked for you dude. I really enjoyed that method as well

[@Thefailcycle]

I’ve had some stressful times putting on graphics. Air dryer is a MUST. Will try the windex next time.

[@GregHitchko]

The stress is real dude! I feel you on that. The windex method was nice because there was definitely less stress of having to make sure it was aligned perfectly when going to put it on 👍🏼

[@mattmargerum9618]

yep.. in the 30s and 40s here in NJ and I'm waiting a bit for warmer weather to install the kit on my KX450.

[@GregHitchko]

That is 100% a great idea lol. I support that move, Matt.

[@dterik]

I got 3 dirtbikes to add graphics to this weekend going to try the dry and windex

[@GregHitchko]

Let me know how it goes for you dude!

[@dterik]

Just finished. Had to go with soap water and heat gun. I can't see how to do it dry. It's pretty difficult enough with the curves to do it

[@empiresrikesfat]

Dry method using a scraper or blunt blade to help push out bubbles and flatten decal 👍

[@GregHitchko]

Almost used a CC for this application but my fingers seemed to work just fine. Thanks for the suggestion my dude!

[@Mxkid14]

Sick shirt!!! OG D34, hell yeah

[@kauaisfinest14]

These old ass plastics are basically flat it’s so easy. Try new bikes where the plastics are super complex

[@aclay4774]

That purple renthal bar setup looks bitchin

[@GregHitchko]

Thanks dude! had to snag a set when they were selling them 🙌

[@StevieDee73]

Little soap and water to move it in the perfect place,2nd part warm it up a bit to dry with a heat gun not to much to damage the kit, how I been doing it for years

[@GregHitchko]

Boom that's a great way to do it right there 🙌🏼🙌🏼💨

[@soupysocksenduro]

Solid video, I think I would do the prep then soap and water, but the Windex is tempting for sure, thanks for the demo!

[@GregHitchko]

I’m curious if I had a little more soap in there if then I wouldn’t have had to spray as much solution on there. Time to test with another set in the future. Thanks dude!

[@robbgnarly]

Windex strips some of the adhesive off, I would advise against it. the soap and water method works great for window tint and other big vinyl graphics, just use a very mild soap like baby shampoo

[@mikeguliz]

I find water mixed with alcohol works best for me when you put the heat to it it dries right away the alcohol dissipates and it still slides

[@GregHitchko]

Oh nice! I like that combo actually, thanks for sharing Mike. Might have to give that a rip next time.

[@StevieDee73]

Interesting 🤔

[@loriefleenor3074]

I like to use tape to hold the graphic on then use the dry method so that it is perfectly straight. The soap and water is cool

[@GregHitchko]

Oh yeah! That is a good way to hold the graphic in place when doing it dry. Thanks for dropping that suggestion 👍🏼

[@majorlee1]

I did dry method with heat gun took my time it works. Hey Greg did you keep all 4 bikes or just your favorite? Bought a 05 RM250 and restored it like new after watching your vids 💪😎

[@GregHitchko]

Heck yeah on all account my dude! Dry method with a heat gun is normally my go to as well. I actually ended up selling all four of those project bikes. Bought a house lol. With that being said, I WISH I could have kept the Suzuki, you nailed it with finding a 2005. 05-08 is the RM you want. Stoked to hear you rebuilt it! We have to keep these older two stroke alive haha

[@majorlee1]

@@GregHitchko nice! Congrats on getting a house! 2 strokes for life!

[@GregHitchko]

@@majorlee1 thanks dude! And you know it, this 99 KX250 isn't going anywhere. Big announcement about my new build series coming about it soon.

[@kevinpatterson1680]

I’ve always installed my graphics dry. Might try the windex method next time.

[@GregHitchko]

I was really surprised how well it worked. There was less stress around making sure it was aligned perfectly before laying it down.

[@rickybobby8417]

Great video Hitch, I also prefer the dry method, but would use soap & water on shrouds and fenders. 2021 KX250F shrouds are a nightmare because of the split, curvature and length which all throw off the alignment, especially with heavy mil graphics.

[@GregHitchko]

Thanks RB! Haven’t been called Hitch since my hockey and lacrosse days lol. That does sound like a nightmare! The 02-07 CR‘a are a pain in the arse too. When I do shrouds next time I want to try a wet method on them.

[@THE1BMANY]

I did dry method it’s mad bubbly lol will try again today or just leave it

[@paulsheaves6171]

I always scrub my hands just before I put any graphic on as well, even in between each number plate, !!

[@GregHitchko]

That’s going the extra mile Paul! That’s not a bad idea at all just so there’s definitely no oils from your hands on the graphics. Thanks for sharing that!

[@dezshane86]

Another thing i hear alot of people use is isopropyl alcohol 99 % cuz it evaporates way better.

[@john191hinds]

Great video!

[@GregHitchko]

Cheers, thank you dude

[@coloradodirtbike5930]

I use windex and have done dry. the problem I always have, the graphics stick but a day or two later the edges peel up in certain spots. I even use brake clean and isopropyl alcohol. with a heat gun. I just don't know, the damn edges always peel up but besides that everything comes out mint.

[@GregHitchko]

Thanks for reminding me to double check those edges. I wanted to do that in a couple days anyhow. Hopefully they are all good. If not, I think applying a little heat to them again would be solid.

[@askmeyicare]

The vinyl has a memory so when you use a heat gun it stretches the material then later shrinks back. That’s what makes the corners peel. I prefer the wet method on curved areas.

[@brentonstearns]

Have all the graphics held similarly the same on the plastics with each method? Curious if dry meth holds longer or not

[@GregHitchko]

So far so good on all of the methods, I haven't noticed a difference in one holding better than the other yet.

[@lozadazx14]

✌🏻😂

[@GregHitchko]

💨💨

[@giedriusasnauskas1820]

OMG... what are you doing... alco will eat glue of sticker, no need shoap with water stick it dry and use heat gun to form the the sticker, and first of all you need to stick 1/3 sticker and move to other side...