Re: [CR] Preserving Original Decals

Brian, thank you for putting things into perspective and I agree with you completely. It is most likely worth the expense to have someone more experienced and better equipped take on the preservation aspect of the frame.

Thank you!

Bret Van Horn Washougal, WA, USA

On Thu, Sep 3, 2009 at 10:20 AM, brianbaylis@juno.com<brianbaylis@juno.com> wrote:
>
> Bret,
>
> The sooner you do something about the situation the better. Once done, it will stay that way indefinitely, unless there is some active under the paint somewhere.
>
> I suspect there's no really inexpensive way to do it cheap without risk. On the other hand, one might find that some sort of such product in a can will work. Won't be a tough as Imron, but very well might do the job. If you could have it done for say $75 (plus some possible shipping costs if there is no local bike painter), would it be worth it to you? Even if it cost $150 to do it all, just think about the fact that you just invested a small sum of money and some extra time in dis assembly, packing, and such on this bike. You will have preserved the original patina of the machine in it's current state for probably another 60 or more years, with proper care. If the original paint is basically sound, then 2 coats of Imron (or equivalent paint system) will last and not break down nor admit UV rays to have much of an effect on the paint and graphics. This is especially important if one is going to ride the bike. But deterioration of old style bike paints is unavoidable, even if just stored or displayed. One should also expect to pay a little more if the painter has to clean the frame before painting. It must be dirt and grease free and dried completely. The cleaning must be done carefully so as to avoid damaging the decals.  In the end, the expense of preserving the original paint and graphics is a bargain.
>
> Brian Baylis
> La Mesa, CA
> USA
>
>
>
>
> ---------- Original Message ----------
>
>
>
> From: Bret Van Horn <bret@workshed.com>
> To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Subject: Re: [CR] Preserving Original Decals
> Date: Thu, 3 Sep 2009 09:18:24 -0700
>
> Thank you for the responses Brian and Steve (and everyone else who
> responded off- and- on-list)!
>
> The Krylon will definitely find a place on my paint shelf for future
> use on something non-vintage-stickery.
>
> I had another off-list response suggesting a thin application of
> Dammar Varnish, which is used by oil painters to protect paintings,
> using a very soft-haired brush. That idea makes sense and according to
> the person who suggested it, sounds like it may be a good option for
> someone who doesn't want to mortgage their house to get some DuPont
> Imron.
>
> On closer examination of the frame last night, the stickers are not
> necessarily peeling up at the edges as badly as I thought. It's more
> feeling like it could start flaking off all around in some spots on
> some decals. Not sure if this changes recommendations.
>
> Thanks again, folks!
>
> Bret Van Horn
> Washougal, WA, USA
>
>
>
> On Wed, Sep 2, 2009 at 6:48 PM, Steve Whitting<ciocc_cat@yahoo.com> wrote:
>> Some of the components in commercially available spray paints - in addition
>> to be highly volatile to speed drying - can act as a solvent on decals
>> causing rapid degradation.  IIRC - DuPont Imron uses a catalytic process as
>> opposed to pure volatilization to harden, so it would be safer for fragile
>> decals.
>>
>> Please forgive me if I'm mistaken Brian.  I'm just a lowly scientist - not
>> a famous, highly-respected  framebuilder like you!  (Love your frames, btw.)
>>
>> Steve Whitting
>> "The Ciocc Cat"
>> Prairieville, Louisiana USA
>> Website at http://ciocc-cat.angelfire.com/
>>
>> --- On Wed, 9/2/09, brianbaylis@juno.com <brianbaylis@juno.com> wrote:
>>
>> From: brianbaylis@juno.com <brianbaylis@juno.com>
>> Subject: Re: [CR] Preserving Original Decals
>> To: bret@workshed.com
>> Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
>> Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2009, 6:23 PM
>>
>>
>> Bret,
>>
>> Using clear out of a spray can is pretty risky I think. Unless you can test
>> somewhere that won't be noticed (which ain't easy since decals are rarely
>> place where they can't be seen) you may end up with a disaster. There are
>> additional chemicals added to spray can paints of all sorts which allows
>> them to work from a spray can. Often it is these additives that cause the
>> problems.
>>
>> I have sprayed DuPont Imron clear over almost everything imaginable, and
>> Imron seems to be one paint that works in almost any situation. Problem is
>> it's expensive (as in mortgage the house) and does not come in small
>> quantities or in spray cans. There are several components to Imron, so
>> there's no cheap way to get into it. You might try to find an experienced
>> BIKE (not car, boat, airplane, or train) painter to put a coat of Imron over
>> the frame for you. Once that is done, you will never have to worry about the
>> decals again. You can go straight to worrying about global warming, animals
>> becoming extinct, what would happen if Yellowstone Park became volcanically
>> active, what will become of George Bush's legacy, etc., etc..
>>
>> Good luck!
>>
>> Brian Baylis
>> La Mesa, CA
>> USA
>>
>>
>> ---------- Original Message ----------
>> From: Bret Van Horn <bret@workshed.com>
>> To: CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
>> Subject: [CR] Preserving Original Decals
>> Date: Wed, 2 Sep 2009 15:19:04 -0700
>>
>> Hi Folks-
>>
>> I searched the archives for this and wasn't able to come up with any
>> definitive answers, so I'll pose the question here:
>>
>> On my '64 Bianchi Team bike, the decals are fairly worn and some of
>> them are in danger of flaking off around the edges. If I want to
>> preserve them as much as possible, what is the best treatment?
>>
>> I've seen laquers, clearcoats and shellacs mentioned.
>>
>> I picked up a can of Krylon Clear Matte the other night, but of
>> course, I have concerns that it might do more damage than good. I have
>> a feeling this may require more pro painting equipment, but any advice
>> is welcome.
>>
>> Thanks in advance,
>>
>> Bret Van Horn
>> Washougal, WA, USA