I took a small shortcut and went to the local vinyl shop to get some clear material to protect the side covers and rear fender against seat abrasion.
The scraps were free and clear as can be. Local auto parts store sells the 3m Scotchguard film starting a $55.00 for a 4"x 84" roll...ouch!

Got it on, no air bubbles using the wet method. Used spring water with some
drops of Dawn dish soap in it as instructed by the local shop which made a huge difference with working time. Did not use tap water because our town adds some stuff to the water of course which I didn't want to chance having adverse affects. However, seems cloudy in a some spots almost as if the soap solution was the wrong way to go. I've also read online where it can take some time to dry fully so I took a hair dryer to speed the process up a bit which also has not helped.

Anyone got experience with this? Was real easy, just need some direction I guess.

 

I used to tint windows and we used water with a drop of baby shampoo. Never had any clouding. The vinyl guy in the shop also used the same solution.

As long as you get all the solution pushed out you wont have any issues with clouding. Start in the middle and work your way out. Also make sure the surface is spotless before you apply the vinyl.

 

Thanks! The stuff I used is pretty thick too which may not help. May post pics tomorrow.

 

A buddy of mine got some stone guard sheet material from a body shop for his bags (to repair vulnerable areas on cars and trucks that OEM use). His bags are silver/grey and the sheeting seemed to go on fine. Sorry, I don't know what technique he used to install it.

On a sort-of related note, another friend just got some T-Bag saddle bag covers . . .
http://tbags.com/saddlebag/saddle-bag-caps-url-key.html

Other than the fact that they are one-colour-fits-all, he says they do the trick and were super easy to install.

 

I helped someone moving recently, they used a moving company to move the big stuff. They wrapped furniture that had drawers and doors with some kind of plastic wrap that is very clear and strong as all get out.
I bet that stuff would work well to protect paint, maybe even as a windshield tear away on a trip or something!

 

Use 70% rubbing alcohol when applying the vinyl film.

 

Give it a week to dry properly the cloudy section's should go away. Try to park in the sun as much as possible.