KenNC

Okay I've applied some decals on top of my powdercoat and they look great, but I will not be putting a rattle can clear coat on top. I was considering putting the above product on top of at least the most exposed--has anyone tried this? It is available on ebay, Amazon and various places, and it would seem I could trim to size. Links to some reviews are below. I might order some in and experiment on a "lesser" bike in one discreet location, but thought I'd ask here first ask. And if you know of a better alternative to the above that would be appreciated. Thank you! PS: I know velocals has some pre-laminated decals that folks here have had good success with, but they didn't have the particular decal I was looking for.

Robot Check and Robot Check (includes a review regarding a mountain bike but doesn't mention decals)

miamijim

I'm thinking the protective film will peel the decals off unless they're clear coated with multiple layers of clear.

KenNC

My thinking would be to size the Scotchgard film larger than the decal in all dimensions so that all edges of the top film are directly on the powdercoat.

rootboy 

Might work. But I notice they don't give a mil thickness. If it's fairly thick stuff, it might look funky and be susceptible to catching an edge and peeling. If it is quite thin and you could burnish it down it would look better and be less likely to be visible.

The Golden Boy 

Along these lines- what have people used to protect paint from housing rub?

I was thinking of using a screen protector, cutting a couple patches to stick on the head tube.

TugaDude

For cable rub I use a clear peel-&-stick frame protector. Don't remember brand, but it is designed for the application, similar to clear chainstay protector. You can sometimes find at your LBS for free. I went in once and asked what they recommend, not minding paying for it, and the nice man reached under a counter and picked up a sheet filled with clear vinyl decals. He gave it to me for free. Some had a Trek logo on them as they were designed for use with Madone carbon frames, but I easily worked around that.

repechage

"Starshield" which usually refers to a 3M brand clear film often applied to the front ends of low nose swoopy sports cars could work. As mentioned earlier, it must be bigger than the graphics you have already applied. Personally, I don't think it will look that terrific. It could be used as a chain stay chain slap protector, there were types of this marketed before, but getting it off later is a Challenge!

This is the same basic stuff that some automakers apply to areas adjacent to the wheel wells on cars and small dots are sometimes seen to stall control cable abrasion. I often see those peeling off in time though, maybe they surface was not prepped well.

oddjob2

Fuggedaboutit. I am pretty certain that urethane film will yellow with age. Given that with a little care a bike's finish will survive better than a vehicle's, you'll have an old bike one day with yellowing decals.

You many not need 10, but these are great value for cable rub/chainstay
Dimension Chainstay Protector & Frame Dots Bag10 Clear

TugaDude

Make sure to wipe the area receiving the protector with alcohol to remove any dirt and oil residue.

Michael Angelo 

I have rolls of that stuff, very tough and fairly thick. I would never use it on decals.

rootboy 

You might consider sign making sheet vinyl. Some of it is very durable, 2 to 3 mil thick, and they make it in transparent.
Sign Supplies and Equipment: Vinyl Film for Signmaking - Low Price Guarantee

Grand Bois

I have some, too. Me neither. Too thick.