Originally Posted by
Casual Rider
I have several Bianchi bikes from the 1980s and I noticed the "Bianchi" decals are applied to the tubes differently.
For the 1986 and 1987 models I can feel where the word "Bianchi is raised and you can tell these are some kind of vinyl or plastic decals.
But for my 1983 (or 84?) specialissima the tubes are smooth and you can't feel where the letters start and stop, but the letters do feel a bit different.
For higher end models were the model name and "Bianchi" labels painted on did they just do a much better job?
That might be all there is to it. But there are probably two other things going on.
First, the smoother decal probably has been clear coated over. On a very thin decal that will make the edges practically disappear. If you put several layers of clear and then sand it down, they will completely disappear.
The other part is the type of decal. You might be right about that, self-adhesive decals are thicker by virtue of the materials used. Other types like solvent-fix or water slide decals are basically a couple layers of ink, which is practically nothing. They are best clear coated, because they are so thin. Even dry-transfer decals are much thinner than self-adhesive. Better to clear coat them too.
Of course a painted-on stencil will be only as thick as paint. So that might be it too. I don't recall seeing Bianchis with stencils though. Rarely see that on Italian race bikes at all, except for some Wiliers and Legnanos.