So-Called Tank Protector

Clive

Clive

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Just peeled off my tank protector, same as many uk owners have, as one of the edges was lifting a bit and rather unhappy with what I found. Can't quite work out what's going on but there is a very distinct step down to the paint which was under the tank 'protector'. Almost like the adhesive has dissolved the lacquer? No scratches on the tank but a respray required...

So-Called Tank Protector
 
Is it possible that the "edge" around the protector is build up of grime for contamination?
If you move your finger in toward the edge from the outside is there a "lip"?
May be that there is a thin lip of material accumulated there.

Try some polishing compound to remove the lip.

I'd hate to think that the pad adhesive devolved the clear coat on the tank.
 
Was this one of the Tankpads from 2ndskin-autographics, as advertised elsewhere on the Forum, or did you source yours somewhere else?
 
2ndskin pad applied to a 6 month old tank. no other painting. First thing I saw was a big difference in paint lightness then felt a raised ridge where the edge had been. Tried a G3 polishing compound which reduced the lip but the colour difference is there and it definitely sits at a lower level where the pad was. Almost like the lacquer on the main tank has darkened - never seen anything like it. All I can think of is to get another identical (clear) pad to cover and disguise it.
 
Glenn Harman said:
Thats not great, Steve (2nd Skin) makes the point that these pads are easily removed without leaving adhesive.
Click to expand...

And I believe that if this was commonplace then he would be out of business from compensation claims. He has always been a very good guy to deal with and I believe him when he says he hasn't seen anything like this before.

Always wary about messing with paintwork - I can do most things including basic spraying but the number of times a minor bodywork blemish repair has grown in size while trying to fix it so may go to my fave body shop to flatten/ mop it.

Why should the exposed colour be different on an 18 month old bike which only comes out for dry rides/ commutes and is stored at night and work under cover??????

The reflection of a strip light shows the step. Was there a problem with the lacquer?

So-Called Tank Protector
 
The clear probably naturally darkens the metallic either by light shift or just another layer. Like clear treating a wooden deck. It will always darken it a bit. My bike is black. I never put a tank protector for that exact reason. What happens when I peel it off??
I live with the slight jacket rash and use a fine Polishing Compound on it occasionally.
 
On metal tanks you can use magnetic pads.
That's what I use on my Ducati 999.
Cleaning the tank?
Just remove the magnetic pad, clean tank, replace pad, have a beer.

Plastic tanks are a scourge on mankind, for many reasons.
The developer should be flogged and buried to his head next to an ant hill.
 
Clive said:
And I believe that if this was commonplace then he would be out of business from compensation claims. He has always been a very good guy to deal with and I believe him when he says he hasn't seen anything like this before.
Click to expand...

Steves a helpful guy and sold many to 961 owners. I'm sure he would be horrified to see this.
 
BritTwit said:
On metal tanks you can use magnetic pads.
That's what I use on my Ducati 999.
Cleaning the tank?
Just remove the magnetic pad, clean tank, replace pad, have a beer.

Plastic tanks are a scourge on mankind, for many reasons.
The developer should be flogged and buried to his head next to an ant hill.
Click to expand...
Until it dents and/or rusts.
 
My family owns a body shop for over 45 years, adhesives etch into paint. This is not uncommon. Often times even if someone were to repaint the surface that same area will show up unless you completely strip the paint off.
 
Clive said:
2ndskin pad applied to a 6 month old tank. no other painting. First thing I saw was a big difference in paint lightness then felt a raised ridge where the edge had been. Tried a G3 polishing compound which reduced the lip but the colour difference is there and it definitely sits at a lower level where the pad was. Almost like the lacquer on the main tank has darkened - never seen anything like it. All I can think of is to get another identical (clear) pad to cover and disguise it.
Click to expand...

I've got one of these pads and was preparing to install it.
Think I'll risk some jacket rash instead.
 
BritTwit said:
I've got one of these pads and was preparing to install it.
Think I'll risk some jacket rash instead.
Click to expand...

Yep. Mine arrived yesterday, and I'm now having second thoughts about applying it. Might wait and use it to cover scratches if I get anything significant. It sure looks beautiful though.
 
Clive, that is a bummer!

How long has it been on for ?

You got me worried, so I plucked up the courage to remove mine.

I guess mine has been on about a year or so, maybe slightly longer. Mines a black tank. I removed it and cleaned off the minor residue and the tank is unmarked.

Why would mine be ok and yours not?

Maybe yours was on for a longer time, and I removed mine before it had chance to effect the lacquer?

Maybe black has a different lacquer to silver?

I dunno. But I’ll leave mine off now just to be on the safe side. Not having clip-ons anymore makes it far less necessary for mine.

What are you going to do?

I think in your shoes I’d put one back on and leave it in place. I think...
 
Billy RR said:
Yep. Mine arrived yesterday, and I'm now having second thoughts about applying it. Might wait and use it to cover scratches if I get anything significant. It sure looks beautiful though.
Click to expand...
Yes they are great. I bought a couple, the 50th with carbon background and plain black. I also got him to make some JPS round ones.
 
Billy RR said:
Yep. Mine arrived yesterday, and I'm now having second thoughts about applying it. Might wait and use it to cover scratches if I get anything significant. It sure looks beautiful though.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a good idea.

I wonder if it would be better to try a thin protective film, similar to the one Norton use on the tank in the shipping crates?
It's usually white or blue in color, but it must be available in clear as well.
The same material is used for striped graphic transfers.
They have no adhesive, and are applied with water, then you work the the water and air bubbles out with a squeegee.

2 layers should do a good job of protecting the paint, and be pretty much invisible.
It is removed easily with a hair dryer.

I'm thinking of doing this at the front of the tank indents. I have long legs and my knees are constantly rubbing this area. No visible marks yet, but there will be soon if I don't do something to protect the area.
 
Metallic paint is a strange animal. Any slight shaging makes the light reflect differently. How old was the paint when you applied the protector? Just a guess, but the paint may not have been fully set. I'll only apply a protector if and when my tank looks scratched.
 
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