Applying vinyl to "dome" on bike body

Srengam · Scooby Slapper Joined: 23 May 2012 Karma :

I've patched up a bit of damage to my bike with some filler and smoothed it all off so it's nice.

But it's an old bike and i'm not looking to respray or anything, but I've bought a roll of black vinyl, and i've cut out a nice shape that'll cover it without looking too naff.

But i'm having a tough time because it's kind of like a "dome", so i've made a few changes to the shape, and I've learned that if I stretch it over the dome it fits better, and attempt 3 was almost spot on, just a few little areas where the vinyl has the smallest folds in it that just won't press out (i'm mean like 3 creases about 1cm each) so I'm very nearly there.

Is there something that can be done to maybe "shrink" the vinyl, or make it more flexible when I'm applying it, just to give that tiny bit more flexibility to get rid of the tiny folds next time I try and get it on.

I was thinking maybe heating it up or something, maybe the heat will draw it in and tighten it up or something?

Any tips would be great.

Thanks again all.

jjdugen · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Jun 2011 Karma :

Get it on then use a hot air gun to form it around the curves. Just get it hot enough to be approaching melting point, then take the heat off, it will gradualy form itself around the odd shapes.
Do a few test 'melts' before you do the actuall job.
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DrSnoosnoo · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Mar 2012 Karma :

hair dryer will do the trick, heat it up get it more floppy and get it on while warm, and as said before, it'll contract around the shape hopefully crease free. Don't be heating it up and cooling it too many times though, it'll degrade a little bit each time
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U_W v2.0 · World Chat Champion Joined: 07 May 2012 Karma :

or if you need a visual aid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqgxsPBuf9U
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Srengam · Scooby Slapper Joined: 23 May 2012 Karma :

Thanks all,

I've ordered myself a hot air gun to do it properly.

The damage is only small, approx 140mm long by 90mm high, so I fancy my chances now of covering it up with an actual design sticker/decal, so i'll have a look on ebay later for a sticker, that'll look as good as new then.

Thanks again.