I designed a custom tank decal for my sporty, which will overlay the current "Sportster" that is housed under the clear coat.
The guy who is making the vinyl for me has made custom decals for my Silverado, which have held up phenomenally over the past three years.
My question is regarding the use of a heat gun on the tank; the guy is stating that he needs to use this method to ensure the adhesive bonds to the curved surface of the tank...is this a safety issue considering it's a gas tank, or is it no different than a bike sitting out in intense sunlight?
Thoughts and strategies on how to recommend he install these?

 

He will be Warming the tank not heating the tank . If it got hot he would melt the decal ?

 

If you decide to have it put on by him, make sure he does it at his place so his insurance covers any explosions! J/K. He's going to use a heat gun, not a welding torch so everything should be okay.

 

If he heats it up enough to either a) go through the tank or b) reach gas autoignition (536*) you're gonna need more than a new decal. Don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

It's just like applying tint to the back window of a car. Since it has multiple curves, front to back and top to bottom, two things happen. The heat does help with the adhesion, and it also allows the vinyl to shrink/form to the multiple curved surface.


I would bet that the heat generated by your bike's engine in a stop and go situation is greater than the heat gun temp.

Don't worry about it.

 

yeah, he's the expert. let him do his job. he could just hand them to you and say 'knock yourself out'...