Hi,

I have some NOS '80s Claud butler Spirit fix Decals. I have no idea how to apply them. Any ideas?

Welcome Chephri,

To this forum. Wish I had your answer but I am very interested in any that might be posted here. Is this the same type transfer sometimes known as "varnish fix" ?

I wonder if this will help you.
https://www.lmsca.org.uk/preservation/LMSCATN7.pdf

Now I know where the idea came from for tubular tires. They are a pain to install, too.

But go for it. I am a sucker for original, even if it is a restoration. Does that make even a lick of sense?-(

Yes, I'm sure it's the same as a "varnish fix" decal (or transfer) and this is a very good post of instructions...thanks for the link. The British "white spirit" in American English is something like paint thinner or mineral spirits, but you might want to use the appropriate thinner for the varnish you use. I've heard that the old choice was Copal varnish but this is no longer available. Art supplies shops should have something to substitute for Copal like Damar varnish, and advise you what thinner is best for that.
EDIT: Actually I may be wrong, check out the detailed instructions from Screen Specialties and ask whoever supplied the decals exactly which type they are. If they are reverse-printed on the rare Duplex paper they are Varnish Fix, but there are those that use just a solvent to melt the ink and adhere. SS has very specific types of solvents and mixtures they use for this type:
https://www.sssink.com/sssink_2010_009.htm

If Copal is accurate, it can still be had if you visit an older art supply store. They may have some off the shelves and in the back room. I've found many such supplies - real lead based white for instance - this way. The up side, is that many times the store is happy to get rid of such supplies since they have no way to properly dispose of them in the first place. I've been given stuff in this manner.

If these are "Varnish fix" transfers (decals), use the type of varnish known as 'gold size' - used to fix gold leaf to picture frames, sculptures and so on. A decent art shop or art restorers will be able to supply a small quantity very cheaply. Beware, you MUST get the positioning exactly right first time, there is NO opportunity to readjust afterwards. Fiddly, yes - but well worth the effort and very satisfying. An internet search will find a supplier of the gold size, which is actually shellac varnish solids mixed with methylated spirits or similar - I found plenty of suppliers in the UK but you'll probably need a nearer source!

Find an old frame builder to it for you. It involves voodoo.

Not Voodoo, nut a lot of prayers!

I think you are right, I am sure spirit fix and varnish fix are different. I will cycle to see an old friend how used to build for Holdsworth maybe he will know or I will telephone Vaz paints.

+1

They are not the same, Spirit Fix, activate the glue, Varnish Fix is the glue.