FixedDrinks

I have a brand new steel fixed (IRO Mark V Pro) frame, I'd like to add a Reynolds 631 insignia decal to as a small custom detail. Depending on what I end up for a decal-either water slide type or custom cut vinyl, what are my options for clear coating decal? Brush on spray on etc.? It's a brand new frame with a brand new paint job so I don;t want to risk messing up finish,so I just want to see what my options are before I build frame up-if it would be worth doing this. Does vinyl even have to be clear coated? I searched the forums but could not find a definitive answer. Thanks.


FWIW-I started riding in the late 80s-I alway liked seeing a Columbus, Reynolds, True Temper etc tubing sticker on a nice steel frame. I think it's a nice classy detail, that probably I'll be the only one to notice.

PS I've PMd JRestore to see if this was something he could make if I provided artwork(I'm a professional designer), so if any others have used his decals, I'd appreciate any input into the above process.

sstorkel

Decals are cheap, paint jobs (even clear coat) are expensive. If I were you, I'd just buy some extra decals and replace them as necessary....

FixedDrinks

Does anyone know any vendors who can do short run vinyl decals that would last reasonably long on bicycle frame client supplied artwork?

sstorkel

What's your budget? And quantity?

FixedDrinks

I'd say like $20-$25 I've ordered a 631 decal from cyclomondo, which I'm going to use to scan and copy-if I want to go the printed vinyl route. i would probaby just gang up a bunch on a standard size, and just cut them myself as needed with an exacto.

OR I could just apply the original decal ( I think it's a slide transfer type), and clear coat it-would have to be rattle can. I just discovered this stuff called 3m scotchcal which is a protective film people use on bike frames, maybe I can just get some of this to cover and protect decal. Some vendors can print on this stuff too, if I can find someone locally who can do such a small job for me. I'm in nyc there's gotta be some print shop that can do this for a reasonable price.

sstorkel

I wouldn't do a rattle can clearcoat unless you have previous painting experience, or want it to look like crap.

I don't know of anyone online who will produce more than 1 or 2 decals for the price you want to pay.

Honestly, your best bet is probably to buy another 2-3 decal sets from cyclomondo. If that doesn't work, try a local sign shop that does custom-printed vinyl decals. If you're willing to cut them out yourself, this is probably your cheapest option. Just remember: they quality isn't much better than the decals you can print yourself if you own a color printer. In my experience, vinyl decals always end up looking too thick especially if the rest of the graphics on the frame are done with slide-transfer decals. And the adhesives never seem to be very good.

BTW, are you planning to change the design of the standard Reynolds 631 decal? If not, I'd call Fairing (U.S. distributor for Reynolds tubing) and ask them to send you a dozen decals for free...

FixedDrinks

Hey thanks for the tips.

Calling Fairing is great idea thanks. As far as clearcoating-what I was thinking of would be to completely tape off and mask frame, with some kind of frisket or masking so only the decal is coated. However, this guy JrRestore says his decals don't need clearcoating.

I emailed JrRestore and a place called javasigns.com, they can do smaller runs.