gugie 

Looking to make some, the ones I've done on my ink jet printer are so-so quality.

Anybody have a source/recommendation?

crank_addict

For the DIY, I too use an inkjet printer and just buy the Testors decal water applique sheets (both clear and white background). After the print, I let is sit for a day before a top spray of Krylon acrylic clear. Holds pretty good and no problem with tearing.

But for top quality, I highly recommend Gus Salmon (bf handle: ussalmon) in FL. He's on an entire different level. Absolute stellar work and super fair.

unworthy1

if you have drawn the art yourself (sounds like you might have) and understand the print process, I'd also suggest

Josh Muma who's outfit is called Bedlam Creations out of Charlevoix, MI ...I was very happy with his waterslide decals (perfectly printed and exactly as-ordered) and the professional customer service he provided...two thumbs up, give him a try:

Josh Muma
Bedlam Creations
phone: 231-437-0200
fax: 866-362-1655
jmuma@bedlamcreations.com
Bedlam Creations : Creators of Waterslide Decals, Vinyl Decals, Rub-On Decals, and Graphic Designs.

bulldog1935

have you checked with Velocals?

Lascauxcaveman 

Injet printer decal pro tip: Draw the graphic/logo 4 or 5 times larger than you need the actual decal and print out at the size you need, i.e.: around 20% or so.

Seems to make much better quality decals that way, IME. Takes the ink a loooong time to dry when it's that concentrated, so don't touch or clear coat the decal stock for at least a couple hours, depending on your temp and humidity.

jamesdak 

+1 His work for my Giordana was spot on.

This is the headbadge he did for me swapping the red for magenta to match my paint.



Perfect match to the original work:



Sorry I don't have better closeup pics:

BigChief 

A lot depends on the image, but respectable results can sometimes be had using bitmap images, like JEPG and an inkjet printer. For printing, you do want the jpeg to be at least 300 dpi. I have found that printed images on transparent waterslide paper tend to disappear on dark colored paint. The only way I can get a decent "Rudge Sports" down tube transfer is to print the letters on white waterslide paper and apply the letters individually. Still, it won't match the quality of the professionals.

Spaghetti Legs 

There's recent thread where I posted some pics of a rehab of some Campy cranks with homemade decals. It was my first effort and I was pleased with the results.

I used my Brother inkjet using normal settings on Testors clear decal paper. As above I let it dry for a day, then sprayed it with Testors clear spray lacquer, a couple of coats with a few hours of drying between coats.

When applying the decals instructions said to soak for something like 10 seconds, but I found it was more like a minute before the decal would slide off easily.

I found a pic of the finished product.

kroozer 

+1 for Gus

Vintage Raleigh

I sent him a PM twice but had no reply for some decals for a Raleigh Grand Prix

okane

It's been my understanding that decals made from injet printers do not last, i.e., the colors fade and are very sensitive to sun light. Anyone had this type of experience?

bulldog1935

bro, from your neck of the woods, you may want to try Greg at Cyclomondo. CYCLOMONDO - BICYCLE RESTORATION DECALS
His golds are super-bright, and gold is a Raleigh staple.

embankmentlb

Does anyone have reconendations for someone who can print decals from a digital file I create?
My project would need parts printed on foil. Also areas with white background, not certain how that can be done at home with clear backing.

As for the decals fading in sunlight, some high end home office printers use archival ink that is supposed to be a solution.

rhm

I can't address the foil question, but have had pretty good results printing my own decals with a laser printer. You need water slide decal paper made for the kind of printer you're using (that is, in my case, a laser printer). I print mine mirror image, and then color in any light colors, silver or gold etc, by hand, using either paint pens or Testors paints and a little brush. To apply the decals I put a thin smear of elmer's glue on the bike, soak the decal, and apply it backwards --so the black laser printed lines appear over the edges of my hand painted areas. You then have to squeeze out all the drops of water, every bubble of glue, every wrinkle. At this stage the decal is pretty fragile, but once the glue dries --a few days minimum-- they're pretty tough. Once it's dry, you can clear coat for additional protection.

bulldog1935

Velocals and cyclomondo both are begging to get high-resolution photos of new (to them) decal subjects. Use the contact form on their websites and talk to them.
Chuck Schmidt who makes tee shirts from old brand adverts (VeloRetro) will do the same if you want a tee shirt.
He made up a bunch of Veloflex tee for me and my daughter.

unworthy1

just a side-note: last time I contacted JR Anderson at Velocals to ask for a quote to make a single sheet of decals from my own self-drawn vector artwork he (or his wife/partner) mentioned in their reply that any artwork becomes THEIR own property, by default...sort of like what Facebook does with your photos, I guess. This was a 180 from the previous time he printed decals for me from my own artwork, and for me that "little detail" killed any deal I might have had with him.

Not like I'm ever expecting to cash in with some imaginary licensing deals with the big time decal conglomerates , but I had NEVER heard of a printer assuming full buy-out/ownership of a client's art as a term to running a print job.
First time for everything, I guess...and YMMV, but read the fine print.

gugie 

Hadn't thought of going to the "regular suppliers", like Velocals and Cyclomondo. I've emailed both.

And I am looking for something quality and long lasting.

I have vector art for this particular project.

crank_addict

How long ago? Just a thought but he did have to replace a pricey printer. Also, he often prefers phone comm.

randyjawa 

The fellow who owns Cyclomondo will make you a set and then, of course you will pay a bit. Then, those decals will be available to the rest of us, as part of his inventory. That said, I used to make my own and I can't help but agree that mine were below the quality that I appreciate...

Salamandrine 

+ 1 on the cyclomondo. On the 60s PX10 set, the gold looked just like the originals. I don't know how he does it but it looks like old school screen printed decals. Can't say anything about other vendors, as the cyclomondo ones are the only ones I've used.

gugie 

I hate the thought of counterfeit Guglielmanas flooding the market...

Vintage Raleigh

That might be it - too difficult to phone as I'm in Australia. The back story - was following a thread earlier this year where he was blocked by the mods for presenting his work. I posted in the thread and he replied to give him a go on my next project so when the opportunity arose I contacted him and no reply. I think he would have done a great job BTW.

Vintage Raleigh

I did consider him Bulldog he has a set but the GP art was NQR.
The 20-30 tubing for eg had a furry edge to the lettering, being a graphic designer wanted something cleaner.
I won't go on a rant here unless I'm asked specific experiences, I sure he has many happy punters.

Vintage Raleigh

Again won't go on a rant here but had an interesting experience to say the least with Velocals.
Initially contacting him in Jan this year for some custom decals which he replied yes can do within the week.
Still waiting and emailing though out and told to wait a bit longer etc. By Oct was getting pissed off and said I'll supply art then getting a no we're not going to do them or use your art thank you but keep a lookout on our website for new products in the future.

unworthy1

I also will refrain from (more) ranting but I'll reiterate: if it's a straightforward PRINT job you seek from a no-BS printer using your own properly drawn (pre-flighted) vector artwork...try Josh Muma, see post #3 above.

After trying to get THAT from all 3 of the other individuals mentioned in this thread, and striking OUT for 3 different reasons, I had better than satisfactory results from Josh, and the price was right, too. He has a set-up fee as well as an hourly rate for work if required to make your art printable, but that's fair and all revealed up-front: no surprises, no bait-n-switch, no bizarre terms or restrictions...IMHO the best choice for this work.

Guess I broke my "no ranting" promise a little, oh well