We often get asked about what you can do to stop tank graphics on PW50s YZ80 YZ125 YZ250 Honda CR80 Honda CR85 bubbling. 

Unfortunately, this is a problem that has been around for a long time!

Although most of these manufacturers have now moved away from bare fuel tanks, the older bikes will still have the problem.

We can print two sets of tank graphics when we make your kit, for a reduced price, so why not order 2 sets of tank graphics if you have had a problem in the past.

Here is a list of things you can do and a brief explanation to try and reduce the impact of the fuel attacking the adhesive and prolonging the life of your mx decals.

“Decals never seem to last long on my PLASTIC dirt bike fuel tank, Why is that?

Each time we ship decals that are to be applied to plastic fuel tanks, we include a note regarding fuel tank decals. 

But with that being said... No one can expect decals to last forever. Lets face it... Dirt bikes, motocross bikes are used in the most abusive conditions on earth for decals. 

Keep in mind the direct contact with dirt & mud, with the chance of arms & legs rubbing on them, and then there is the pressure washer...!! 

How often do you see an older or vintage motocrosser with a plastic tank and original fuel tank decals? OEMs never should have put decals on plastic fuel tanks in the 70s and 80s and 90's but they did, so here we are. 

Top racers back in the 90s would put new decals on for every race. OEMs now know about this issue and later avoided using decals on plastic fuel tanks as much as possible.

There are several reasons why plastic fuel tanks are the worst spot on earth for any graphics to be applied. Here's why... 

Plastic surfaces have a low adhesion property to begin with. One big problem is... Plastic fuel tanks expand & contract in size a significant amount, due to heat, cold and from pressure build up during riding. This can cause a shear effect on decal adhesive trying to stay bonded to the surface. 

The bigger issue... Fuel is a killer! Including new ethanol blends these days are being blamed for all sorts of issues. Fuel spillage or leaking from the fuel cap during a ride. 

Fuel vapor leaches into the older plastic tanks, compromising the plastic surface, causing a gassing out effect that can attack decal adhesives. 

The plastic holds in liquid fuel well enough but the plastic itself can be contaminated with fuel. You can see this with many plastic fuel tanks when they turn a dark color from the oil/gas mixture. If you have a plastic tank that is over 10 years old, most likely it has started into a dry rot phase. The original natural lubricant in plastic has slowly evaporated, or been pulled out from exposure to the elements of fuel, sun and time. The worst case fuel tanks have a visible outside surface condition due to "Chalking" from sun damage! Where the outer surface has dried so much it will turn white and begin to flake. 

Some vintage dirt riders are forthcoming enough to drain the fuel out of the tank after every ride to maintain a quality condition fuel tank.
One way to help stop the leaching of fuel is by treating the tank from the inside. Follow the mfg. instructions, and we suggest a good cleansing of the inside of your tank with degreaser too.

Here is a fuel tank liner for plastic tanks from Caswell.
Red color works well for the red plastic tanks. Called Dragons Blood. You could Google this or, provided is a good read for you to get a feel for the issue found on Thumper Talk.

*Note* It is also very important that you have a properly sealing fuel cap that has a working vent tube.A quote from Jeremy McGrath... "Take the #$%&@ valve out of the gas cap. Your bike won't stall and your graphics will stay on better." Taken from a winter issue from one of the MX trade magazines.Again, fuel is the enemy when it comes to cosmetics.

Obviously, people all over are trying to solve a problematic issue. Here is a quick break down of options.

1) Don't leave fuel in your tank. Drain after each ride. Cap off to vent.

2) Fuel cap with large vent hole helps with pressure build up. (expansion, contraction)

3) Coating the inside of the tank. (moderate success, experimental)

4) Slit or poke your nice decals with holes. They should already come supplied like this from motoxart.

5) Mask off the area of tank only where decals will be placed. Prepare surface for paint. Use Krylon Fusion for plastic, outdoor furniture paint. Apply decals over that area. (moderate success, experimental

6) In the area where the decals will be placed. Heat up the outside tank surface and roll out with a hard roller. The idea is to close or seal old pours that vapor seeps through. (moderate success, experimental)

7) Google all of the above and find even more options.

We make the best possible product we can for your older dirt bike and use specialty materials for plastic fuel tanks. We make a product to fill a void and plastic fuel tanks are what they are. 

Each install is different depending on many factors including different levels of plastic tank degradation. Some clients have very little difficulty while others have more. 

We cannot control the various degrees of each applied decal. Therefore, there are no absolute guarantees on decals for plastic fuel tanks. So, why not buy extras when you know you will have these conditions or issues. We will offer discounts on qty. orders.