How do you preserve old decals?
#1
Full Member
Thread Starter
How do you preserve old decals?
I recently acquired a 1977 Motobecane Grand Touring, where the "M" foil decal is in good shape, but a little frayed around the edges, and the "Vitus 172" decal has shrunk and has some splits in it, but is 90+ percent there. Have been washing/waxing around them. I was thinking of wrapping a clear 3M automotive tape around both, but wonder if that is the best way to go, or if I should leave well enough alone. This bike will be ridden and while foul weather will be avoided, is always a possibility. Would be grateful for suggestions!
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 16,748
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 132 Times
in
78 Posts
Don't do it. What happens when you decide to remove the tape? Which head badge foil is it? Any chance you can post a pic?
If it were me, I'd probably leave them alone. However, against advice, I have coated an old, decrepit Reynolds 531 decal one time. And it worked well. FWIW, I used Testors glosscoat lacquer. Very carefully.
If it were me, I'd probably leave them alone. However, against advice, I have coated an old, decrepit Reynolds 531 decal one time. And it worked well. FWIW, I used Testors glosscoat lacquer. Very carefully.
#3
Full Member
Thread Starter
Thanks--here is a pic of the Vitus decal. The foil decal is not the head badge, but is mid-way down the seat tube....
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 16,748
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 132 Times
in
78 Posts
That Vitus decal is looking pretty delicate. And dirty. Clean it very carefully with Q tips and a bit of water, maybe a spot of soap. Let it dry thoroughly and then hit it with one of the recommended clears. First coat should be very dry and light.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,128
Bikes: 1986 Alan Record Carbonio, 1985 Vitus Plus Carbone 7, 1984 Peugeot PSV, 1972 Line Seeker, 1986(est.) Medici Aerodynamic (Project), 1985(est.) Peugeot PY10FC
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 150 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 34 Times
in
27 Posts
Personally, I would not bother worrying about some of those tubeset decals too much as good replicas of those decals are still available out there (Check eBay).
I really don't see any problem replacing crispy crappy looking old decals on C&V bikes, as long as you replace them with the correct ones.
I really don't see any problem replacing crispy crappy looking old decals on C&V bikes, as long as you replace them with the correct ones.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wherever
Posts: 16,748
Mentioned: 92 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 556 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 132 Times
in
78 Posts
I agree one hundred percent, Chombi. However, in my somewhat limited experience I've found not all of them are all that correct.
Some are better than others though.
Some are better than others though.
#9
Full Member
Thread Starter
The pic of the Vitus decal was before cleaning. Have cleaned considerably all around it, and gently on top of it. Will review all the suggestions and may do some overcoat as suggested. NO ONE seems to recommend clear tape so i will avoid that.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Hurricane Alley , Florida
Posts: 3,903
Bikes: Treks (USA), Schwinn Paramount, Schwinn letour,Raleigh Team Professional, Gazelle GoldLine Racing, 2 Super Mondias, Carlton Professional.
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 78 Post(s)
Liked 30 Times
in
22 Posts
Carefully.
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,100
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 287 Post(s)
Liked 327 Times
in
158 Posts
First off, kudos for looking to preserve your ride!
I'm no expert, but yeah, tape seems like a bad idea to me.
And I agree that I'd say don't worry about it until you're ready to apply a repro. (I'm assuming that decal is available out there.) Course by then you'll probably want to paint it too, and then get a new wheelset, and then...
I'm no expert, but yeah, tape seems like a bad idea to me.
And I agree that I'd say don't worry about it until you're ready to apply a repro. (I'm assuming that decal is available out there.) Course by then you'll probably want to paint it too, and then get a new wheelset, and then...
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
thepinksalmon
Classic & Vintage
1
10-25-12 12:52 PM