Tankslapper Installation Instructions

*This product will not adhere to low gloss or flat paint finishes

*Not Suitable for Power Washing.

Please read before beginning installation.

The things you’ll need (tools) include: water, 70% isopropyl (rubbing alcohol), a spray bottle, a small squeegee blade, and if conditions warrant, a heat gun or hair dryer. Mix together into your sprayer a mixture of 30% alcohol and 70% water.

Do not allow water to touch the release paper until the film is removed; this could cause de-lamination of the paper resulting in permanently imbedded bits of paper in the film.

Begin by dry fitting all pieces while still attached to the release paper, the shape should fit inside the indentation that forms the knee well area of your tank sides. The center section is intended to begin coverage within a half inch or so of the saddle.

The paint surface must be free of contaminates, we recommend waxing your tank before the Tankslapper is applied, this will increase adhesion and remove grime. You’ll also want to make sure there is no dust, lint or any other particles on your paint finish before applying. If left, unintended elements under the film will be clearly visible after the film is installed and allowed to dry for a day or so. We suggest flowing water over your tank after waxing to remove all particles.

If the temperature at installation time falls below 65 degrees F you may need an artificial heat source such as a heat gun or high temperature hair dryer to soften the “Tankslapper” material when applying it over contours.

Begin the installation by spraying the tank with the installation solution, then remove the “Tankslapper” film from the release paper and spray it on both sides with the same alcohol and water solution, position and begin to squeegee away the installation solution starting in the center, working toward the edges gradually, radiating out in all directions simultaneously. You should be striving to remove as much solution as possible from under the film. Repeat for the remaining pieces, and that's it.

Some Tips:

It may be helpful to stretch the film over harsh contours to help manipulate the film into compliance. This technique is typically used at the rear of the tank - belt buckle area – and demonstrated in the following video: “Installing film over contours”

With very dry conditions, it will be difficult to keep the “Tankslapper” from attracting dust and lint as you remove it from the release paper. Look for damp days and little wind, representing the best installation conditions. The nature of this material is such that it attracts more, the dryer it is, and this can include lint which will appear as bubbles after installed. In less than ideal conditions we recommend you have a small bucket of water close by that you can dunk the film into just before you lift it into position, letting foreign material flow off as you pull it up out of the water, this will reduce static at the same time.

If bulking or lifting occurs along the edge in the first minutes after squeegeeing on the “Tankslapper”, this can be remedied with the application of heat while squeegeeing those difficult areas again, keeping the surface wet.. Lifting is the result of the films memory, resisting the new form you’re trying to get it to assume.

Modifying our squeegee can be accomplished by applying the soft half of a Velcro strip over the blade edge, this will reduce drag allowing you to press more firmly while working the squeegee, in addition reduce the chances of scuffing-up the film surface. If you don’t have a suitable squeegee, a credit card with the soft half of a Velcro strip over the edge is also suitable.

While the film will look good and be ready for use immediately after installation, its appearance and adhesion will improve further after 12 to 24 hours when it has had a chance to fully dry out.

If you’re not satisfied with the position or look of the film, remember it is reusable and can be reinstalled at anytime if necessary to correct problems.

When the film is not in use - note the side intended to face your paint - and store affixed to a clean dense surface like glass or Plexiglas to preserve the static treatment.

If you have any questions please use the Contact Us form above.

Now you can concentrate on your riding instead of your paint; we’ve got that covered for you!