deux jambes

Thinking of putting one lone decal on a bare metal frame. The area where the decal would be applied would be very clean and smooth. I’d probably give the decal a clear coat protective finish that just exceeds the decals edges, giving a good seal all around.

Has anyone reading this ever applied water slide decals to bare metal? Did it take well or not?

xiaoman1 

I would clear the entire frame in order to prevent rusting....clearing just the area where the decal is placed will highlight that spot when the rest of the frame continues to oxidize.
WS will stick on bare metal because of adhesive, applying water to bare metal will help to promote rust underneath the decal even after a finish is applied, so.....
JM2C's, Ben

deux jambes

Seems most clear coats aside from powder coating, fail on bare steel. I plan to paint the frame eventually, but not until next year at least. Until then, I plan to ride the bike. So I’ll be giving the frame an initial liberal wipe down of WD-40, and then as needed. It’d be a lot easier to clean WD off come time for paint than to strip a clear coat.

The clear coat over the decal, like nail polish perhaps, will just cover decal just barely beyond its edges to provide a seal. But you raise a good point about corrosion forming in the area from applying the decal.

xiaoman1 

DJ,
If that is your plan, I would apply the decal and not worry about it...in my opinion, any corrosion that would occur from the application of the decal would be minimal and not damage the frames structural integrity in any way....short way is to say "just do it and don't worry".
Ben

3speedslow

deux jambes

If it’s going to be a throw away decal after the year, why not use a thin vinyl one and avoid the water use. The backer glue should help seal out moisture for that long.

deux jambes

I think I will as it’s really a nonissue since a repaint is planned for a later date. Mostly, I was just wondering if a decal would be wasted on bare steel for some reason I couldn’t see.

The whole thing is silly really. It’s just for fun, and to lend the appearance of a “finished” build, until the build is actually finished 😂

Thanks for the input.

deux jambes

Because I don’t want to wait for shipping. But that is better idea.

randyjawa 

I would clear coat the entire frame before applying water slide or vinyl stickers. Both will stick to clean bare metal, in my opinion. That said, I am in the middle of doing just this right now (well, actually, I painted the frame last summer and need to get my butt in gear to do the art, which I do have ready to apply).

After primer under the color coats, I clear coated everything in preparation for art application (water slide decals)...


Once the art is applied, more clear coat lacquer then a careful rubbing out and that should be that. Then, finally, a day of assembly before the ride.

Spaghetti Legs 

I used water slide decals to rehab a Campy C Record era crank. That was about 3-4 years ago and it has held up well under occasional use. I brushed a small amount of decal sealant on top of it.