How do you preserve old decals?
12-07-13, 11:13 AM
#1
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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!
12-07-13, 11:33 AM
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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.
12-07-13, 12:07 PM
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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....
12-07-13, 12:56 PM
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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.
12-07-13, 01:25 PM
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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.
12-07-13, 01:42 PM
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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.
12-07-13, 04:07 PM
#9
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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.
12-07-13, 04:10 PM
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Carefully.
12-07-13, 08:18 PM
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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...
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