To Paint Or To Wrap, That Is My Question....

[Hornet 900]

I just bought my CB900F and the previous owner decided to paint a faded look into the tank. The paint job was actually pretty good but to me it just looks like the bike hasn't been cared for and the paint is fading. I am debating whether or not to paint the bike or just to vinyl wrap it. I work for a vinyl graphics company and while I'm not good enough to manipulate the edges yet, a few of the guys are and would do it for me for a case of beer if I buy the vinyl. I don't know anyone who has ever ridden a wrapped bike, does anyone have any experience with vinyl wrapping bikes?

 

[lupin]

For a case of beer just give the vinyl a go. You won't get it painted for that much.

 

[Hornet 900]

For a case of beer just give the vinyl a go. You won't get it painted for that much.

That is why it's even a consideration haha. I have seen images of bikes that are wrapped but I didn't know if anyone had a wrapped bike and maybe had some reason not to do it that I hadn't thought of.

 

[Reize]

Wraps require a lot more skill than painting, unless you're talking about artisan level painting.

But it definitely has better results and flexibility than regular auto spray painting since you can throw any kind of image on to the bike, print the parts out onto vinyl and then wrap it on.

So if you think the guys helping you can do a damn good job, go ahead with that instead.

 

[Hornet 900]

Wraps require a lot more skill than painting, unless you're talking about artisan level painting.

But it definitely has better results and flexibility than regular auto spray painting since you can throw any kind of image on to the bike, print the parts out onto vinyl and then wrap it on.

So if you think the guys helping you can do a damn good job, go ahead with that instead.

I have more than faith in their skills, they wrap the GEICO race boats and jet skis so I know they can handle the edges and dips in the body lines.

 

[SighBored]

Wrap it first, if you don't like it, strip it off and get paint job done.

 

[RoadSprock]

Wrap it and share the photos what colour though? Or colours?

 

[Hornet 900]

Wrap it and share the photos what colour though? Or colours?

I will definitely post pictures when I wrap it, I am debating between a few color options. The CB900F came in a green metallic that I really like. I've thought about doing something using that green and a matte black or white. I have also entertained the idea of using carbon fiber on the front and rear fenders then doing a metallic blue or green

for the tank and fairing around the seat. I haven't been able to make a decision because I need to strip off the paint on the exhaust and my wheels need to be repainted as well.

 

[mykb93]

Def wrap it. A lot more options and you can switch to another color pretty cheap if all they want is beer.

 

[RoadSprock]

I will definitely post pictures when I wrap it, I am debating between a few color options. The CB900F came in a green metallic that I really like. I've thought about doing something using that green and a matte black or white. I have also entertained the idea of using carbon fiber on the front and rear fenders then doing a metallic blue or greenView attachment 2078 View attachment 2079 for the tank and fairing around the seat. I haven't been able to make a decision because I need to strip off the paint on the exhaust and my wheels need to be repainted as well.

They both look nice but you could use the opportunity and do something unique?

 

[Hornet 900]

Def wrap it. A lot more options and you can switch to another color pretty cheap if all they want is beer.

Being able to change colors quickly and easily is a definite plus!

 

[Motovader]

wrap, or maybe try one of the new plasti dip guns

 

[Hornet 900]

wrap, or maybe try one of the new plasti dip guns

I would think plastidipping would add some unnecessary weight. I know it wouldn't be a whole lot of weight but it is still weight

 

[Motovader]

I would think plastidipping would add some unnecessary weight. I know it wouldn't be a whole lot of weight but it is still weight

they have done a weight test on a car and the plasti dips total weight was 2 pounds and thats a fully covered vehicle so id say a wrap would way the same if not more? just a thought

 

[Hornet 900]

they have done a weight test on a car and the plasti dips total weight was 2 pounds and thats a fully covered vehicle so id say a wrap would way the same if not more? just a thought

I would venture to say it would weigh more if thats the case. Vinyl is HEAVY! I like that idea, thanks.

 

[mykb93]

I have done both and vinyl does weigh more.

 

[TGLambino]

If you do wrap it let me know how it goes. I thought about wrapping my bike before but never went through with it.

 

[Hornet 900]

If you do wrap it let me know how it goes. I thought about wrapping my bike before but never went through with it.

I will

 

[KittenMeat]

here's me and my late-buddy spray painting my old SV
https://flic.kr/p/7eXdYB
all we got was high off paint fumes.

the paint looked alright.

vinyl would have looked better and been more durable TBH.

i vote vinyl.

 

[YoutubIan]

I want to do the same thing.
Ive been thinking of wrapping my tank and a little piece of the front fender, just want to break away some of the red on my bike.
I watched a couple of youtube vids on how to do it, it seems quiet simple with a heat gun.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide and the results.