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-   -   Where to get custom frameset vinyl labeling (https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-vintage/1247683-where-get-custom-frameset-vinyl-labeling.html)

drewellison 03-02-22 11:09 AM

Where to get custom frameset vinyl labeling
 
I've got an older powder coated aluminum frame. No stickers, decals, badges, markings. I'd like to do a custom labeling/branding - a step above getting vinyl letters at the hobby shop. Vinyl would be fine with me. I don't really want to deal with wet transfers.
Ideally, would like to get some larger horizontal labels for the downtime, maybe some vertical lettering for the seat tube, something for the forks, etc. You get the idea.
A quick internet search has turned up nothing that looks like a plug and play option.
What is out there? The easiest way to go about this?
Thanks.
Drew

randyjawa 03-02-22 11:25 AM

I had this done once at a local sign painter. He also made up vinyl decals or stickers. You might want to check out that possibility.

unworthy1 03-02-22 11:39 AM

^ +1^
this is tech that many large signmakers (with computer controlled plotter cutters) are perfectly able to produce.
The only caveat is you are limited to what color(s) of vinyl film they stock, plus anything but a single color (within a "cut") is much more than sign shops can manage. This is a precision cutting operation, not a print process.

That said, if you have the option of a solid color background (that you'd wrap to make "panels) then a sign shop COULD print on that vinyl, just like custom bumper stickers.

RustyJames 03-02-22 11:56 AM

I designed my own using fonts available on the interwebz and sent it to a person I found on eBay that printed them. I was able to pick sizing and he didn’t seem to have any qualms about trademarks. Very reasonable price and quick turnaround. (I picked a vendor based on ratings and this was a couple of years ago so I don’t recall who they were.)

jamesdak 03-02-22 01:07 PM

I'm pretty sure Velocals will print up what you want if you provide the artwork. I also had a custom set made by them where I picked the font, colors, size etc. Just a couple of back and forth emails and job done!

https://velocals.com/custom/

Mr. 66 03-02-22 01:41 PM

If you already have a file Costco may be able to, or a local flexogragh, probably not, could direct you to someone. Perhaps a local speedy print.

I like the Velocals idea as well.

3alarmer 03-02-22 02:03 PM

.
...these guys used to be "Do It Yourself Lettering", but are now "lettering.com".
They have a pretty solid design it yourself online font and effects design application, and their prices are reasonable. Pretty fast turnaround time, and there's an option for precut, which I would recommend you use.

I used them for this, when I couldn't find something closer to the original from the 1950's.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9341ed69dc.jpg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...d2a55e43ea.jpg
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...5c7861125d.jpg

BFisher 03-02-22 02:05 PM

It has been a few years, but I used this site a few times. I got good results.
DIY Lettering

Nice, @3alarmer!

fooferdoggie 03-02-22 02:08 PM


Originally Posted by unworthy1 (Post 22426286)
^ +1^
this is tech that many large signmakers (with computer controlled plotter cutters) are perfectly able to produce.
The only caveat is you are limited to what color(s) of vinyl film they stock, plus anything but a single color (within a "cut") is much more than sign shops can manage. This is a precision cutting operation, not a print process.

That said, if you have the option of a solid color background (that you'd wrap to make "panels) then a sign shop COULD print on that vinyl, just like custom bumper stickers.

they can actually print on vinyl so you can get as crazy as you want.

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...4b72684f44.jpg

zandoval 03-02-22 02:09 PM

Make your own out of Bumper Stickers. Try this thread I started about 11 years ago: https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...knockoffs.html

I'll help ya with it if ya want...

unworthy1 03-02-22 02:49 PM

so that online business DOES do a bit more than usually found at your local sign shop (with just a plotter cutter), but you'll note that 90% of the examples they show are single colors with no "extras".
But they have at least a 22-color palette of vinyls to pick from, and can book together elements to produce "outlines/borders and drop-shadows", plus you can get all the typical .ai distortions applied to your font or vector logo.
So...more than I had thought you could find from a vendor without an ALPS printer but this DIY shop does not have "unlimited options".
Yes, a vendor like Velocals can make much more "close to authentic reproductions" decals or stickers (and Velocals actually made me some a loooong time ago) BUT last time I asked JR said he was not offering the service anymore...maybe he's changed his policy.

Velo Mule 03-02-22 05:16 PM

+1 for Lettering.com . It is fun to go through the design process that they have. Not only do they have a good amount of fonts, you can curve the lettering, place shadows on the letters, color, spacing, effects, etc. And the price is reasonable and delivery is quick.

Here is my vinyl from them:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...7fb709c5ea.jpg

I know, it is not a nice European brand or even a bike shop brand. Gold lettering with black outline. It can be difficult to weed it yourself. You need to decide if you want to try your hand at it or spend the extra and not have to worry. I did it myself, because, it is a Royce Union after all.

drewellison 03-20-22 05:36 PM

I went with lettering.com and am very happy with the results. And the price was much less than I would have expected. I'll use that site again if I ever make another Sonelli.
Drew "Sonelli" Ellison


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ff72c5c78.jpeg
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...892611fd8.jpeg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...9166a8d13.jpeg
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...df1c0b3ba.jpeg


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