Clear Film on Matt Paint

wal054

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Joined
Mar 22, 2020
Messages
35
Location
Australia
I want to put some 3M or similar clear film on the tank to protect the matt paintwork on my 2020 ST.
Is there a reason why I shouldn't?
 

viroid

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May 8, 2013
Messages
57
Location
VA
If you can't apply it without trapping bubbles, you might not want to.

Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk
 

RCinNC

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Aug 30, 2014
Messages
2,816
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North Carolina
I've used a product called Tankslapper film protection on my gas tank. My tank isn't matte finish, but I brought this up because the owner of the company was really responsive and helpful when I had questions back when I first bought his product. You could try reaching out to the company with your questions about using film on a matte finish paint job.

This is their website: https://thetankslapper.biz/
 

HeliMark

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Joined
Dec 18, 2013
Messages
995
Location
Tennessee
I want to put some 3M or similar clear film on the tank to protect the matt paintwork on my 2020 ST.
Is there a reason why I shouldn't?
Are you wanting to protect the whole tank, or the areas like where your knees rub, and the belly stopper? There are several good looking products out for those. There is another thread on them. I use the Tech Spec with my matt finish, and with 76K miles, tank looks great.
 

Nikolajsen

"Keep it simple"
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Jul 1, 2017
Messages
2,046
Location
Denmark
I think that whatever clear film you put on, it will be obvious..
Because the matt black will suddenly appear to be polished.
 

Mak10

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Aug 20, 2018
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2,567
Location
SE Idaho
I have tech spec pads. They work great where they are. They don’t protect the paint in other areas. I had a Yamaha tank bag and it marred the paint. Another area of wear is where the seat contacts the paint.
In hindsight I should have put on a clear protective film.
 

StanBo

Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2019
Messages
44
Location
Central NJ
You can get matte cover vinyl material. 3M or Avery will have backing glue with channels. That helps push the bubbles out when you are applying the vinyl.

Watch a couple videos on vinyl wrapping to get an idea for the application.

Heat gun, cleaning supplies, blades, cotton gloves. You would be surprised how well these vinyl materials can handle curves and being taken off and applied again.
 

StanBo

Member
Joined
Apr 10, 2019
Messages
44
Location
Central NJ
Whoops also forgot. I was watching a video of a racer and his setup for his trail bike. He applied clear skateboard tape to areas of his plastics. I bought a couple strips from Amazon but haven't tried to apply them yet. That can be an option.
 
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