Ugly Decal job

[compressed]

Well I put some new decals on my bike (not a retro job). I was very careful with my prep and application. Being a first timer I thought you just applied them and your done. Not so, the decals I used are apparently thick, because the edges are quite proud of the frame and need to disappear! Please help if you have any tips for hiding the edges that have worked for you. Thanks

 

[Charlieboy28]

hi ya compressed, having it clearcoated might help, but it sounds like the vinyl or whatever used was quite thick to begin with

Gil-m here would sort you out some better decals but unless you get it clear coated you are always gonna have some slight raisedness to it

 

[compressed]

Not a lot of info out there about the problem I am having. Someone on a Graphics website talked about clear nail polish. I think I might try it with the finest artist brush I can find and carefully touch the edge. Hopefully it will blend. I think I am talking to myself.

 

[JeRkY]

As said, if you are trying to get the look and feel of decals as they appear on most bikes when new then you will need to clearcoat the frame. even then they will still be slightly raised.

In order to get them sub flush you would of needed to do a process like Roberts used to.

-Bare frame, no paint
-primer
-few layers of final colour
-Apply double upped decals. (1 decall stuck directly over another identical decal)
-Over spray a few more layers of final colour paint
-Peel back oversprayed top decal to reveal fresh decal underneath.
-Layers of clear coat.

Creating a fillet of nail varnish around the decals doesnt sound like a great way of doing it, perhaps go in search of some one able to produce your decals on thinner vinyl.

 

[compressed]

Well after a little obsessing and a lot of scrutiny, i am thinking the issue is not so much the thickness of the decal, but the way it was cut. It looks as if the clear vinyl became slightly opaque when it was cut. It also looks a little ragged. Bad quality, but I had to have them, because of the cool retro/neon/Diner look. Still think I might try to wet out the edge.