I'm new to FG, and I'm intending to put together a bike for learning, ownership, etc. First step is to get a frame. Based on the advice here, it seems like the best entry level frames would be to get the Mercier or an IRO. However, neither is completely decal-less / unbranded, which is a priority to me. I'm not clear on whether a $75 powdercoat job would cover up all decals; is that a good option as well? In any event, I'm willing to pay a little extra to just have it taken care of, so I'm considering the Valencia frameset from Mission Bicycle, where I live. I've checked out Alien (mostly sold out -- I'm 56 or 57cm) and Viking (not currently shipping), but neither seems really available.

Given my priority for having no decals (and a range of color options would be nice as well) while still getting the best frame possible, is there a clear course of action for me?

What are the options if I were willing to pay a little more for a better frame, without going beyond say $700?

why don't you just get a kilo stripper then?

look, no decals.
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...t_stripper.htm

You can't powdercoat over paint. The finish is baked on in an oven. The frame needs to be totally free of paint (sand/media blasted) and cleaned thoroughly before the powdercoat is even sprayed on. Then you have to make sure your bb and headset faces are cleaned up.

The next step is to look and find a frame for yourself. I'm not interested in doing this for you.

Take a stroll through these threads and I'm quite certain that you will find one or two bikes that pique your interest:
SSFG Photo Thread (200+ pages)
Track Racing's Photo Thread (13 pages)

Once you see a bike you like, Google and find more info about it. If you can't find any good info, PM the owner and ask nicely. Most people are friendly here and would be glad to talk about bikes with you.

I forgot to add the SSFG Bike Porn thread (89 pages)

There are all kinds of nice bikes in there, but many of which are in your price range.

bikeisland.com probably has what you need if you want to stay entry-level.

Personally, I like my Alien and would probably buy another if I needed a new, unbranded frame.

daft: i don't necessarily need to stay entry level. i'm willing to move up another level, as long as we're still talking <$1000.

but alien is out of my size (57cm). viking is not currently shipping. what other unbranded options are there?

carleton's threads are nice but almost every bike on there is branded...

Wabi Classic
https://www.wabicycles.com/classic_bike_spec_teal10.html

I got a Pake track frame for my second build (still hasn't arrived). It's cheap, and it'll get the job done... plus i think the decals are removable.

The Soma rush frame will set you back about $450. I think the decals are removable, but don't quote me on this. Check around.

EAI Bareknuckles are at the very top of your price range. They're unbranded and come in lots of colors... including black, I think.

everything that reads Soma is removable. The head tube and Rush are not.

Every decal on my Surly Steamroller from 2006 was removable. I'm not sure if things have changed since then.