How to Install Reflective Tape

If you ride your bicycle or motorcycle at night, you want it to be as visible as possible. Supplement the visibility of your bike's lighting system with reflective tape. It's easy to install, and you can put it on any metal surface to make your bike more visible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Reflective tape
• Soft cleaning rag
• Masking tape
• Water
• Container
• Measuring cup
• Dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Squeegee

1. Look at your bike from all angles. Decide where the reflective tape should go on the bike to give you the most protection.
2. Purchase the reflective tape. It comes in different widths and colors. Choose whatever you think works best for your bike.
3. Clean the metal surface where you are going to install the reflective tape. Do not leave any bug remains or tar. Be sure to remove all soap residue as well and let the surface dry well when you finish.
4. Hold the reflective tape in place. Cut it as necessary to make it fit. Mark the spot on the bike with two pieces of masking tape. Place one edge of the masking tape on the vertical edge and one on the horizontal.
5. Mix 10 drops of dishwashing soap with one cup of water. Put this mixture in a spray bottle.
6. Spray the area where you intend to install the reflective tape. Spray the back of the reflective tape. Gently pull the backing from the tape and set it in place on the bike. Use your horizontal and vertical pieces of tape as guidelines.
7. Use the squeegee to push the soapy water and air bubbles from underneath the reflective tape. Work from the center to the outer edges. Let the adhesive set before removing any covering paper that might be on the reflective tape.