Vinyl Wrap for Lugged Steel Frame?
11-21-23, 08:32 AM
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Vinyl Wrap for Lugged Steel Frame?
Looking for guidance wrapping a chrome lugged frame. Ideally the main triangle will be “kandy “ or chromevelato with transparent/translucent wrap. The head tube I plan to have white/pearl, with chrome stays and lugs.
I’ve found videos on wrapping carbon frames, which seems much more difficult. Trying to decide if I can DIY or turn it over to pros, and if so, which pros?
I’ve found videos on wrapping carbon frames, which seems much more difficult. Trying to decide if I can DIY or turn it over to pros, and if so, which pros?
11-21-23, 11:20 AM
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Get yourself a botttle of Liquid Mask, sold in art supply stores. With a small brush, coat the chrome exactly where you don't want paint to stick. I usually do a couple of coats to be sure (belt and suspenders kinda guy)...
Works well, very forgiving and turns out OK in my book....
Works well, very forgiving and turns out OK in my book....
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11-21-23, 12:51 PM
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Get yourself a botttle of Liquid Mask, sold in art supply stores. With a small brush, coat the chrome exactly where you don't want paint to stick. I usually do a couple of coats to be sure (belt and suspenders kinda guy)...
Works well, very forgiving and turns out OK in my book....
Works well, very forgiving and turns out OK in my book....
11-22-23, 09:25 AM
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I would think that getting a clean seam around a tube would be tricky but maybe a pro has a workaround.
I’ve seen some wraps on cars that were stunning and others that were….unfortunate.
I’ve seen some wraps on cars that were stunning and others that were….unfortunate.
11-22-23, 10:18 AM
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Agreed! I found a product from 3M that you lay down under the film then it cuts a clean line where the wrapped film overlaps to make a clean seam. No idea how visible it will be. That’s why I’m asking others for their experience.
https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/...ulletin_R3.pdf
The videos I’ve seen of more complex carbon fiber frame wraps look pretty clean.
11-23-23, 08:06 AM
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I found another clip, this time of wrapping a carbon fork without using the knife less tape. I wish they’d zoomed into the seams, but from a few feet away it looks good.
11-23-23, 08:19 AM
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If you go DIY, I would guess it may take a few tries. First time your figuring it out, 2nd time you learn from your mistakes.
If you go PRO, I would think a shop that does motorcycles would be the best bet.
If you go PRO, I would think a shop that does motorcycles would be the best bet.
Last edited by brewerkz; 11-23-23 at 12:02 PM.
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11-23-23, 08:51 AM
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The knife less tape is pretty expensive and only comes in large quantities. The film is pretty cheap in lugged tube sizes (48” x 12” should be enough to do a single top, down, or seat tube and go for $6, so even with a few practice pieces I should be able to keep it under $100. They also sell 12” x 12” pieces which should be enough for 2-3 goes at a head tube)
Last edited by ACHiPo; 11-23-23 at 08:54 AM.
11-23-23, 12:03 PM
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Both good recommendations. Thanks. One of the frustrating things of DIY is the audacity to think that I can do in one try what it takes pros years of practice to learn and they still use a mock up!
The knife less tape is pretty expensive and only comes in large quantities. The film is pretty cheap in lugged tube sizes (48” x 12” should be enough to do a single top, down, or seat tube and go for $6, so even with a few practice pieces I should be able to keep it under $100. They also sell 12” x 12” pieces which should be enough for 2-3 goes at a head tube)
The knife less tape is pretty expensive and only comes in large quantities. The film is pretty cheap in lugged tube sizes (48” x 12” should be enough to do a single top, down, or seat tube and go for $6, so even with a few practice pieces I should be able to keep it under $100. They also sell 12” x 12” pieces which should be enough for 2-3 goes at a head tube)
