Varnish bike decals

mikeh · Post by **mikeh** » Mon May 20, 2013 3:23 pm

This is a plea to find someone who can fit varnish bike decals. This is a real skill and thankfully they don't use the blasted things any more. I have just had the frame for my 1954 Carpenter restored and have the original varnish decals.

This isn't a 'I'll have a go' request I really need someone who has had experience of putting these things on a bike before. No one under the age of 60 need apply and even at that age you would only have been an apprentice when they last used these things.

My brother who is 56 restored the frame and it looks the business, but he wouldn't even go near these nasty tissue paper based beasties

I'm hoping to get the bike on the road (work permitting, decals or not!) by mid June and then cycle over to Paris in July before L'eroica in October.

PLEASE HELP!

Dr Dave · Post by **Dr Dave** » Mon May 20, 2013 11:38 pm

Would Ricky Feather be able to suggest someone?

mikeh · Post by **mikeh** » Thu May 23, 2013 1:03 pm

Any help gratefully appreciated!

Karl M · Post by **Karl M** » Thu May 23, 2013 1:37 pm

How about speaking with Monk Bar model shop? http://www.collectable-models.co.uk/
Those guys are often applying paper-based decals onto fiddly things and could point you to an expert.

When applying the decals, so long as the “r” and the “a” are the right way round.

mikeh · Post by **mikeh** » Fri May 24, 2013 5:06 pm

Thanks for your help guys but I have drawn a blank. I spoke to David Yates frame restorer down in Lincolnshire and the varnish back decals form part of the painting process. This process is very skilled and even those that can do it don't look forward to the job. It would look like they have to be applied with the paint to get the correct finish. Rather than the frame looking botched I am going to leave it naked. This I think will give it a certain .........something! I can put the waterslide '531' decal on (this is the type more widely used on Stuka dive bombers, Spitfires and other such models. Thanks Karl) but the varnish back must stay in the pack. The down tube and seat tube will therefore remain untouched.

I have spoken to every paint expert and bike restorer I could get hold of to find out about these varnish back decals and the constant is 'DON'T GO NEAR THEM!' Any one looking to restore a frame you have been warned.

The bike should be on the road the second week in June after I get back from a little cycle tour of Brittany.

mikeh · Post by **mikeh** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 6:47 pm

I got the Carpenter on the road without decals and did a K ride a couple of weeks ago together with a couple of other rides and the old beast is riding well.

I spoke to Nick at Penrith the guy who supplied me with the varnish back decals and he talked me into having a go at putting them on myself.

With bike thoroughly cleaned I did just that today. I have to say I have had an unprecedented success. They really are as difficult as they say to put on. You need the patience of a saint and an unknown number of cups of tea. It is all about doing everything by the book and waiting.....and waiting.

If anyone is ever thinking of restoring a bike and wants to talk through the sweaty palmed process let me know.

Photos to follow when the varnish is dry. See you out on road.

Dr Dave · Post by **Dr Dave** » Sun Jun 23, 2013 7:08 pm

Glad it went OK. From yesterday's conversation I guess you're pretty relieved.

bernard turgoose · Post by **bernard turgoose** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 7:43 pm

Mike, Sorry that I have only just read this request, but I Woukld like to pass on my experiences whilst restoring an old frame.
I had the original de cals copied by a local sign writer/maker based on Rawcliffe Lane Ind.Est. Onto a self adhesive mounting, with a protective cover, this worked well for me and I still have a name tag that I didn't use if you want to see it.
Just send me a PM
Bernard

mikeh · Post by **mikeh** » Mon Jun 24, 2013 11:18 pm

Thanks Bernard and Dave for your posts. I'm glad I had the bottle to have a go with the originals, they look the business. Varnish back decals are nerve wracking but such a satisfying process. Seat of the pants stuff right up to the very last piece of tissue coming off.

Everyone I spoke to including Dave Yates in Lincolnshire didn't want to go near them. Nick who supplies them in Penrith however talked me into having a go. You can measure up and mark up with masking tape but it all comes down to having a steady hand and a good eye. You only get one chance and as soon as the decal touches the frame that's where it is going to stay.

Don't want to ride the bike now as I may spoil it!