Installation Support
Installing your Wheeltags is simple and can be completed in minutes. We strongly recommend you WATCH our installation video located on our website, read all of the instructions and gather the needed products BEFORE removing your Wheeltags from their backing.
Before you begin, please read the following:
- Wheeltags and its employees will not be held liable for damage done to the rim surface or tag as a result of improper Wheeltag installation or cleaning.
- Our warranty does NOT cover installation-related problems where there was a failure to properly prepare the surface, remove moisture from beneath the tag, or other deviations from the installation directions. Self-invented installation techniques are not recommended by Wheeltags. Warranty claims on Wheeltags products are only valid if they have come from a defective lot of material. Please review our warranty policy or contact us with any questions or concerns.
- Wet application of your Wheeltags requires a minimum of 24 hours to "set" the adhesive. PLEASE do NOT ride or travel with your wheels on a car rack for at least 24 hours.
Tools:
Wheeltags Chizler (found inside your Wheeltags can) - used for removal and installation
Elbow grease - to scrape old tags off and clean up adhesive residue
Soap and water - dish liquid (Dawn, Palmolive,etc.) - 2 drops per 16oz water
Paper towels and/or lint free rags
Spray bottle with water - do NOT use sprayers that once held harsh chemicals
Ready to get started?
Please visit Wheeltags.com to watch our Installation Video. We STRONGLY recommend viewing the video BEFORE starting your Wheeltags installation. Our easy to follow, step-by-step instructional video will answer all your questions about installing your Wheeltags.
Step 1 - Removing old decals:
Before applying your new Wheeltags the rim surface needs to be clean and free of any debris to ensure the longevity and coolness of your tags. You can install Wheeltags over your existing decals but they might not adhere as well, are not covered under warranty and Wheeltags can not attest to the condition of "old decals" should you remove your Wheeltags.
- Use the Wheeltags Chizler found inside your can. Starting with the edge of an existing decal, use light pressure to remove the decal from the rim.
- If possible, try to grab a corner with your fingers and pull away from the rim.
- Continue to scrape and pull until all decals are removed
- If you wouldn't use it on glass, don't use it on your rims. Think first before you scrub, scour or brush. You may damage your rims. If you have further concerns or questions, please contact your wheel manufacturer for recommended cleaning tips.
Step 2 - Cleaning
Using the soap and water mixture, clean the entire rim. Do NOT use "Scrubbing pads" that have been purchased from your local g-store as these products WILL scratch your carbon fiber finish. Do not overlook this cleaning process, it is THE most important step to ensure a good, strong bond between your Wheeltags and rims. If you DON"Tclean your rims, your Wheeltags will not adhere properly!
- Use a non-abrasive sponge or rag to remove old decal residue on the rim. With the soapy water, work your rag/sponge in a circular motion and scrub until all residue, road gunk and bug guts have been removed. You can also leave the soapy water solution on your rims for 10-15 minutes to allow the surfactants to break the adhesive down.
- Wipe clean when step 1 is completed and swipe rim with Isopropyl Alcohol to ensure the cleanest possible surface.
- If you wouldn't use it on glass, don't use it on your rims. Think first before you scrub, scour or brush. You may damage your rims AND tags. If you have further concerns or questions, please contact your wheel manufacturer for recommended cleaning tips.
Step 3 - Installation
Best results will be attained when installing your new Wheeltags in temperatures ABOVE 60°F and indoors where there will be no wind or debris to disrupt the application. We STRONGLY recommend the "Wet Application" method which allows for precise positioning of your new Wheeltags. It is also ideal for wheel sets with DIMPLED RIMS as the wet application helps to form your Wheeltags INTO the dimply sweetness of your state-of-the-art, wind tunnel tested wheels. Wet application of the tags does require a minimum of 24 hours to "set" the adhesive, PLEASE do NOT ride or travel with your wheels on a car rack for at least 24 hours.
If you are installing an "E2E" (your entire rim will be layered with goodness) please read below.
- The valve stem hole will mark the edge of your first tag. This is an easy reference point and will allow for symmetry of your design.
- Carefully remove your Wheeltag from its backing (careful not to let it roll-up onto itself).
- Using your spray bottle with water - spritz the back (adhesive side) of the Wheeltag with a generous shower of water.
- Lay the tag onto your rim positioning the top edge of the tag (closest to the braking surface) 3-5mm from the braking surface. Gently press out any air/water bubbles with your fingers.
- The Wheeltags E2E installation (a patent pending process) is designed to have 1mm of overlap to maintain a continuous pattern and allow for variations in rim size. Using your ruler or measuring tape, confirm this measurement and "slide" the tags around until you are satisfied with the final result. Being careful to watch your braking surface. Please note, some tag designs MIGHT NOT join perfectly depending upon your installation, rim sizing and tag design.
- Continue in this fashion until ALL tags are positioned on the rim.
- When ALL tags are in place, take your Chizler and wrap with several layers of paper towel. While holding the tag secure with your other hand, begin from the center of the tag and work towards the edges, applying even, steady pressure over the tag. Use care when squeegee-ing where the tags meet, you will need to work in the direction of the TOP tag.
Wrap a fresh paper towel around the Chizler and do a few more strokes over the tag to absorb any remaining moisture. There should be no water between the surface and adhesive, ensuring a positive bond.
Let your wheels sit for a few hours and repeat step #8 to be sure there are no air/water bubbles.
DONE!
If you are installing a "Throwie" (your rim will have 3 tags per side) please read below.
- The valve stem hole will mark the edge of your first tag. This is an easy reference point and will allow for symmetry of your design.
- Carefully remove your Wheeltag from its backing (careful not to let it roll-up onto itself).
- Using your spray bottle with water - spritz the back (adhesive side) of the Wheeltag with a generous shower of water.
- Lay the tag onto your rim based on your measurements and when satisfied, gently press out any air/water bubbles with your fingers. The top side of the tag (closest to the braking surface) is designed to be approximately 5mm from the braking surface.
- Continue in this fashion until ALL tags are positioned on the rim. Check your positioning before placing additional tags.
- When ALL tags are in place, take your Chizler and wrap with several layers of paper towel. While holding the tag secure with your other hand, begin from the center of the tag and work towards the edges, applying even, steady pressure over the Wheeltag. Use care when squeegee-ing where the tags meet, you will need to work in the direction of the TOP tag.
- Wrap a fresh paper towel around the Chizler and do a few more strokes over the tag to absorb any remaining moisture. There should be no water between the surface and adhesive, ensuring a positive bond.
- Let your wheels sit for a few hours and repeat step #7 to be sure there are no air/water bubbles.
DONE!
Don't forget that a wet application of the tags requires a minimum of 24 hours to "set" the adhesive, PLEASE do NOT ride or travel with your wheels on a car rack for at least 24 hours.
Once your Wheeltags are set, get out and RIDE WITH STYLE.
Troubleshooting
Everybody gets one. Every Wheeltags tin canister includes an EXTRA tag to assist you in your hour of need. But sometimes a replacement isn't the issue. Don't cry little one, we've got you covered. Read below for some of the more common installation issues. If you are STILL having issues, watch the video, again. STILL having trouble and you're an inch away from chucking it all in, call us.
- Too much water - continue to use your paper towel wrapped Chizler to get as much water out as possible. Then, walk away. Leave your Wheeltags alone for 30 minutes and return to do another pass with the wrapped Chizler. Repeat this process at 30 minute intervals until paper towel is dry.
- Creases - You got anxious didn't ya? Leave your Wheeltags alone for about 30 minutes and return with paper-towel wrapped Chizler and smooth down crease. Leave it alone for another 30 minutes and return with Chizler (NOT paper towel wrapped) and apply firm, even pressure over the crease area ONLY. As the water starts to dry, the creased part of your Wheeltag will want to stick to your rims with a little more authority. Repeat at 15-30 minute intervals until creased area is laying flat, then apply firm, even pressure over the crease directly to help smooth it down.
- Designs didn't line up perfect - If you caught this early enough in the installation processes (BEFORE Step #7 for an E2E or Step #6 for a Throwie) you MUST realign them NOW. Gently peal 'em off and spray with more water. The extra shower of water will give you more slip to move the tags around as needed. Repeat this process with each and every tag. Pay attention to your overlap areas, and sometime you will need to reduce or increase your distance from the brake surface to ensure the proper alignment. When you are happy with the positioning start with Step #7 (for the E2E) or Step #6 (for the Throwie) and finish up your installation. Please keep in mind this is ONLY an option for installations that have gone amuck within the first few moments of installing your last tag. If you've already squeeged out water, suck it up.
- Tags not sticking to the rim - Could be TOO much water, see Troublehshooting #1. If you suspect that your rims ain't so clean, and your Mama would be embarrassed, than peel your tags off and walk 'em to the trash. We TOLD you to clean those rims!
Maintenance
Treat your new Wheeltags right. A few tips, tricks and treats to help keep your Wheeltags looking as hot as the first day you rode with style.
- Wash your Wheeltags with plain soap and water or any commercially available car wash soap with a soft cloth or sponge. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
- After particularly wet, sleety, snowy rides give your Wheeltags the same love and affection as the rest of the bike. A quick swipe with paper, terry or chamois towels will do the trick.
- Care and caution should be taken when storing your wheels. Vinyl graphics and other items such as tires and flexible rubber products will have a shorter life expectancy when exposed to severe heat and sunlight.
- Test cleaning solutions on a small section of your Wheeltags before using. Be sure to read the cleaners' directions and warning notices that apply to vinyl graphics.
- Keep high pressure nozzles at least 18" from the edge of your Wheeltags. High pressure spray might cause the edge of the tag to peel.
DON'T ever use these:
- Aromatic solvents such as acetone, MEK, toluene, paint thinner or lacquer thinner will RUIN your Wheeltags. Solvents of this strength will soften the vinyl material, weaken the adhesive and smear inks.
- Overcoats of clear paint or paint of any kind.
- Gasoline or other fuels that might drip or splash onto your Wheeltags. Wipe off and rinse with water immediately.
- If you wouldn't use it on glass, don't use it on your rims. Think first before you scrub, scour or brush. You might damage your rims AND tags.