Decals, stickers, vinyl transfers.....
05-26-22, 06:51 AM
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Decals, stickers, vinyl transfers.....
I’m exploring options of decals/stickers/logos for the 70s Valgan I’m repainting and rehabbing. Budget is kind of a priority, but I also want it to look decent and have at least some durability. I’ve painted the frame with Spray.bike, planning to clear-coat over the stickers/decals (testing beforehand, of course). While I’m not recreating the originals, they were a kind of metallic silver foil sticker. Anyone have experience with DIY inkjet printing on metallic foil sticker paper and clear-coating over it? I figure there’s a big risk of the ink running under the clear-coat, but maybe if misted and carefully applied that could be avoided? Also wonder if the inkjet colors would quickly fade from UV….. or maybe the clear-coat provides protection?
I see that waterslide decal paper is available for inkjet printers, so that’s another possibility… The logo idea I’m working with would ideally have a white component, which of course I couldn’t print at home. But it seems like there are some online services that might be able to make up decals that include white. I was pretty good at applying decals on models as a kid, but that was a looooooooong time ago and not sure about the fussiness of working with waterslides on a bike..
And then there are vinyl transfers…. I like the idea of those, though it seems they’re always a single color (at least with clear background versions), which kind of limits what I want to do.
Thoughts & experiences?
I see that waterslide decal paper is available for inkjet printers, so that’s another possibility… The logo idea I’m working with would ideally have a white component, which of course I couldn’t print at home. But it seems like there are some online services that might be able to make up decals that include white. I was pretty good at applying decals on models as a kid, but that was a looooooooong time ago and not sure about the fussiness of working with waterslides on a bike..
And then there are vinyl transfers…. I like the idea of those, though it seems they’re always a single color (at least with clear background versions), which kind of limits what I want to do.
Thoughts & experiences?
05-26-22, 09:51 AM
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I've used Lettering.com. Fast, inexpensive, quality vinyl transfers. I've done them with contrasting shadow lettering (black and white). They have lots of fonts to choose from, and I believe you can also provide your own artwork.
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05-26-22, 10:04 AM
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I have had great success with Decal Knockoffs using Bumper Stickers. They really hold up well. I resize my personal image to 3" x 10" then have the sticker printed out.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...knockoffs.html
Lately I have been transferring Black Toner Ink to clear Helicopter Tape. So far they too have held up well at 5 years plus.
https://www.bikeforums.net/classic-v...knockoffs.html
Lately I have been transferring Black Toner Ink to clear Helicopter Tape. So far they too have held up well at 5 years plus.
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05-26-22, 10:35 AM
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+1 on Lettering.com. @gugie recommended it, I tried it. I liked it. And it is fun using the design tools. It may get you into a loop where it gets difficult to decide which option(s) to go for.
And then clear coat it. I like automotive 2K clear coats. If you don't have a gun Eastwood makes a 2K clear in a can. Eastwood 2K clear in aerosol can
I have also bought painting supplies from TCP Global. They are a little more expensive. I don't know how they compare. SprayMax 2K clear
The 2K clears are tough and good looking. These aerosol cans allow you to mix the two components when you are ready to shoot. After about a day, the can cannot be used again.
And then clear coat it. I like automotive 2K clear coats. If you don't have a gun Eastwood makes a 2K clear in a can. Eastwood 2K clear in aerosol can
I have also bought painting supplies from TCP Global. They are a little more expensive. I don't know how they compare. SprayMax 2K clear
The 2K clears are tough and good looking. These aerosol cans allow you to mix the two components when you are ready to shoot. After about a day, the can cannot be used again.
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05-26-22, 10:50 AM
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I'll be using the spray.bike clear-coat, mainly because it's a little unclear what other clear-coats will work over the spray.bike 'paint' (it's kind of more of an aerosolized 'powder'....). Realize it's likely not going to result in a finish that is as durable as possible, but hopefully 'good enough' for what this build is. Not 100% satisfied with the spray.bike paint- the nozzle would slightly clog and 'spit' now and then, and the overall surface finish is a little bit rough here and there- more so than just a 'matte' finish. But again, 'good enough' and worth trying out.
05-26-22, 03:21 PM
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+1 on Lettering.com. @gugie recommended it, I tried it. I liked it. And it is fun using the design tools. It may get you into a loop where it gets difficult to decide which option(s) to go for.
06-09-22, 12:26 PM
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Got the DT logo from lettering.com, the ST & HT from stickylife.com. Could've gone a bit larger with the DT I guess, but they look decent enough. Anyone have exp/issues with spraying clear-coat over this stuff?
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