Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Classic & Vintage
Reload this Page >

Saving Decals

Search
Notices
Classic & Vintage This forum is to discuss the many aspects of classic and vintage bicycles, including musclebikes, lightweights, middleweights, hi-wheelers, bone-shakers, safety bikes and much more.

Saving Decals

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-26-06 | 01:58 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Retro Classic
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
Saving Decals

I'm not sure this is the right forum for this, but I'll start here anyway.

I have a Colnago I got new in 1987, and a couple of the decals (clover leafs)
are beginning to curl outward. Every time I clean the bike, (unless I remember
to be careful :-) ) I risk tearing them. The Columbus SLX decal is also beginning
to degrade, with little pieces flaking off. Is there a way to uncurl and -reglue-
these decals to the frame? I don't think these are clearcoated over, since
they are curling.

Any thoughts on getting replacement decal's and where to find them?

I would prefer somehow refurbishing the originals.

Thanks
Ken
ken_z is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-06 | 02:08 PM
  #2  
Little Darwin's Avatar
The Improbable Bulk
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,379
Likes: 7
From: Wilkes-Barre, PA

Bikes: Many

Check the currently active thread about a decal business. mswantak does custom decals and could probably hook you up if you get to the point you want to buy new decals.

Everyone he has provided decals for seems very pleased... He has a web site, but I forget the URL... maybe someone will be kind enough to remind us.
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA

People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Little Darwin is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-06 | 02:23 PM
  #3  
SingleSpeeDemon's Avatar
Team Sohoku
 
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 0
From: Not where I want to be.

Bikes: BMC, Cannondale, '87 Nishiki Modulus, 3Rensho Keirin

Originally Posted by ken_z
I'm not sure this is the right forum for this, but I'll start here anyway.

I have a Colnago I got new in 1987, and a couple of the decals (clover leafs)
are beginning to curl outward. Every time I clean the bike, (unless I remember
to be careful :-) ) I risk tearing them. The Columbus SLX decal is also beginning
to degrade, with little pieces flaking off. Is there a way to uncurl and -reglue-
these decals to the frame? I don't think these are clearcoated over, since
they are curling.

Any thoughts on getting replacement decal's and where to find them?

I would prefer somehow refurbishing the originals.

Thanks
Ken
I have slavaged decals using this method:

  1. First, ensure the back side of the decal is free of debris (soap and water during cleaning will do a good job) allow the bicycle to dry.
  2. Use a degreasing agent on the area surrounding the decal and allow to dry.
  3. Using a fine artists brush, thoughoughly apply a thin layer of clear laquer.
  4. Apply a square of decal release film (the backing of a bumper sticker) glossy-side facing in over the decal and film the paper with tape. Allow to dry for a few hours or overnight.
  5. Peel the tape and film off carefully. Once the lacquer has thoroughly dried, use the artist brush and lacquer to seal the edge of the decal.
  6. Allow several days to dry, wash the area with mild detergent and water then apply a high quality polish to the area.
SingleSpeeDemon is offline  
Reply
Old 07-26-06 | 03:29 PM
  #4  
Glutton for Punishment
 
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,896
Likes: 9
From: San Leandro, CA
If those are self-adhesive vinyl decals, you could get a can of spray adhesive (auto parts stores carry it), spray some on a piece of cardboard and apply it to the loose edges with a flat toothpick or something similar, then press the edges back down. Clean up any excess with mineral spirits or acetone.
mswantak is offline  
Reply
Old 07-27-06 | 11:23 AM
  #5  
Thread Starter
Retro Classic
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Nor Cal
Thanks for the suggestions.

Ken
ken_z is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.