Apply Some Snowmobile Graphics To Freshen Up Your Ride

By Deanne Shepard


You can directly order from various graphic packages for your new snowmobiles these days. OEMs make getting snowmobile graphics much easier, and customers will be able to personalize or customize their new sleds. Most snowmobile makers will offer several options in order to satisfy various tastes and needs. These are great because factory-made graphics are a lot better in fit and finish, giving you the best quality possible.

Your snowmobiles can look more fresh and vibrant with aftermarket graphics. Currently, there are two types of plastic surfaces that are used for snowmobiles, both smooth and rough. Smoother ones are glossy, similar to a car's exterior. The rough surface is not as shiny and is somewhat texture, like a belly pan. The application of it also differ. You'll want to use a wet method for the smooth surfaces, and dry method for the rough. Dry methods are required for rough surfaces so that the graphic can stick to the texture better.

A machine will be required to install the graphics on the panels. This is a great way to keep the panels secured. Additionally, whoever is installing the graphic alignment can work on it consistently.

During rough surface installations, you'll need to clean your hands before you start so you don't dirty the sticky section of the graphic. Start with the corner of the graphic, and place it on the panel using your fingers. You don't want to have any air bubbles visible on it, so peel it back and try again if there are.

Afterwards, you should add some heat into it. This step is optional, but it will help tighten up the corners and will alleviate the wrinkles on the graphic. If you add too much heat, the graphics can get damaged or shrink too much, so keep that in mind.

The smoother surfaces will need to be clean before you start your application. Spray your fluid or soapy water on the sticky area of the graphic, as well as the surface. Dripping fluid is perfectly fine. You will then lay the graphic down and move it into the right position. Then, you should squeeze the fluid from the center of the graphic all the way out.

There shouldn't be any fluid remaining in the center. It's a problem that is difficult to fix later on. This is similar to air bubbles you can have in rough surface installations.

After you apply your graphics, you are able to trim off some of the edges. If you've done a good job in installing it already, there's no need for this. You'll need to leave at least a fourth of an inch from the edges when you use a razor knife to trim it. This helps your graphic look a lot more appealing and clean. The graphic won't get caught on anything and peel either.

Take a step back after you install the graphic to look at your snowmobile. You'll notice how different your snowmobile looks with even a simple graphic application. You can enjoy your sled even more this way, and can show your ride off for its new style.




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