Source for Decals/Graphics

[smithmtbr]

Looking for a supplier for decals, am aware of sssink.com...are there
other sources anyone could recommend? Thanks in advance...

[Alliance Bicycles]

I use victory circle graphix, Custom Stickers, Decals and More at Victory Circle Graphix

[steve garro]

I use victory circle graphix, Custom Stickers, Decals and More at Victory Circle Graphix

Me too, for over 8yrs. - Garro.

[Dornbox]

My two Cents on decals:

Victory doesn't do the ultra thin no vinyl transfers like Gary does and those can easily be buried in clear which makes them AWESOME.

On the other hand, I too would love to find someone other than SSSink but only because it takes a dozen phone calls and 3+ months to get my decals from Gary (assuming this is because I'm not Trek or another big fish). Once, I even stopped calling to ask when an order would be done and the order was never was completed... unless it randomly shows up at my door someday.

In the future as I get my margins up, I'll probably end up taking the price hit for multi colors and have somebody like Victory make my masks.

Good luck and keep me posted if you find another vendor!
Chris

[smithmtbr]

...only because it takes a dozen phone calls and 3+ months to get my decals...

yes, I'm looking for better response...so far, both VCGraphix and VeloCals have been quick to respond and move forward...appreciate all the tips...

[Alliance Bicycles]

I couldn't get SSSInk to take my money no matter how many times I called. I started the process on 5/21/10 and I'm still waiting for so much as a proof. I had the pleasure of applying many SSSinc decals at Stong Frames and the product is unrivaled. Unfortunately not only are they expense, for me they are vaporware. Victory Circle turned around 23 complete sets (7 decals per bike) in a week and a half for under 200 bucks shipped.

My steel bikes have painted logos, so how they look under clear is a non-issue.

[edoz]

Don't forget to check locally. I found a great graphics guy who used to race bmx, so he understands bikes. It's particularly useful when you want to walk into his shop with something and say "I want it to match this".

[Dornbox]

I just heard from JR at velocal and he does do water transfers.... I've got to do a little more research though as I just don't how they'll hold up over the years. I think older bikes used them and they all appear to have cracked over the years. I could be wrong though. Anyone else familiar with them?

[pruckelshaus]

I just heard from JR at velocal and he does do water transfers.... I've got to do a little more research though as I just don't how they'll hold up over the years. I think older bikes used them and they all appear to have cracked over the years. I could be wrong though. Anyone else familiar with them?

Call Brian at Fresh Frame - he'll be able to tell you what the best to go with will be.

[Dornbox]

Call Brian at Fresh Frame - he'll be able to tell you what the best to go with will be.

Besides being "The Man" Bryan Myers is also my main man! I love his work.-Chris

[skrivan]

i found that Rusty Shaw at CR Graphics does some really nice stuff. I used to print my own waterslides but it was a massive pain in the ass and the results were not nearly as good as Rusty's. Check him out at:

CRGraphics@ME.com

i dont think they have a website but they are good value for sure. I put House-of-Color clear on top of the waterslides.

For sure the Gary Prange dry-aps are by far the thinnest and best quality....for small orders, Rusty's prices are way better.

[pruckelshaus]

Besides being "The Man" Bryan Myers is also my main man! I love his work.-Chris

I know...I saw your show bike in his shop when I droppped a couple of frames off for paint ;)

[Dave Anderson]

Like Steve, I have used Victory Circle for over 8 years as well. Some of my bikes are even in their gallery section....or were anyway. They can not be beat for customer service, quality, and price. They are thicker though than the SSSink ones and are harder to bury under clear. I do it all of the time, but it does take more time, sanding, and clear.

I also get graphics from JR at Velocals for restorations and they are quite nice. I did, not, however, know that he was doing water transfers. I will have to look into that because those would be nice to have. Chris....I do not think you have to worry about modern water transfers under a modern urethane clear cracking....those old ones often did because of UV damage, or being placed directly on the surface with no clear over them, or because of some of the old lacquer clears that were used....I have done a lot of restorations with NOS water transfers under a modern urethane clear and even the old ones seem to hold up just fine

Dave

[Dornbox]

Chris....I do not think you have to worry about modern water transfers under a modern urethane clear cracking....those old ones often did because of UV damage, or being placed directly on the surface with no clear over them, or because of some of the old lacquer clears that were used....I have done a lot of restorations with NOS water transfers under a modern urethane clear and even the old ones seem to hold up just fine

Dave, thanks for the response. Your reply certainly brings a much higher level of comfort to the thought of using the water transfers.-Chris

[Eric Estlund]

I sent Gary an email, he followed up in about a day. I sent art files and a check and we worked through art and color proofs. My decals were in hand and on a bike in less then two weeks. SSSink has treated me very well.

[Craig Ryan]

I sent Gary an email, he followed up in about a day. I sent art files and a check and we worked through art and color proofs. My decals were in hand and on a bike in less then two weeks. SSSink has treated me very well.

Same with me. Also did a resto and had them in a couple of days. I'm sure there are many people who can do a nice job, but Gary has it dialed in.

[datas_brother]

Thanks for the info. It seems Dennison is now part of Avery and don't make this kind of product anymore.

Has anyone looked into silk screening? The process seems relatively simple so I might try that.

[Human Epic Jolt]

silk screening?

Interesting. I have been watching a local guy doing this on electrical equipment face plates. very nice finish.
My mind began ticking as to how to transfer this process to a round tube. The screen needs to be stretched and it is my guess that a special jig would need to be fabricated to achieve satisfactory results.

as you say.. interesting to hear from anyone using this method.

[suzyj]

I silk screened my first lot of decals. The process was very laborious - mainly because I had several colours, and getting the different screens accurately lined up was a huge pita.

See Bicycle frame building for the rest of us - Transfers

For my current decals, I'm trying to get them made commercially, but thus far have had no bites from either Victory circle or SSSink.

[datas_brother]

OK. I've looked into this in a little more detail and it doesn't look that difficult. I priced the needed supplies and all I really need to buy is screen fabric and emulsion, which will cost about € 45.-. I have everything else. I'll order the stuff over the weekend and play around with over the next few weeks. Once I get it down, I'll write a "how to".

BTW, I will be screening directly to a frame and not making decals.