London Fixed-gear and Single-speed SJS Cycles

I'm planning to have my frame powdercoated soon and I would like to put my own decal design on it. Is there anything wrong with using one of the companies that print decals for cars, then stick it on a bike and have it clear coated over?

Or, in other words, is there anything special about bike decals?

Nope that's exactly what you should do. However make sure if your giving the company your EPS or JPEG designs that they are exactly the right size you want them printed & the company understands exactly what your desired result is. "Measure twice, cut once"

We should have tread for custom decals.

we should have a thread for custom decals especially when some people think it a good idea to put ¨Bob Jackson¨on an old heavy Raleigh frame.

"My Other Bike is a Colnago"

My frame is Raleigh but don't worry, I won't pretend to have another make. I was just thinking of a something really personalised, though.

Cheers guys.

another advice is that if you add your name, make sure you know someone else who have the same name as your who you can sell it to!

Not sure how well clear coat adheres to powder coat.

I'm planning on making my own before I commit to paying someone to do it. I'm just going to print on to standard Avery adhesive labels with a colour laser printer then cover with clear fablon and stick to frame. If I like the look and it starts falling apart, then I'll call upon the professionals.

I've attached my designs if anyone is interested. I know it's a bit naff to be making up your own decals so I don't know if I will follow this through. Feedback/flaming welcome.

GIFs

you can buy a4 waterslide decal paper that can be printed on inkjet from:
www.craftycomputerpaper.co.uk/

easy peasy to use , very thin decal and they sell the clearcoat to protect it ! job done !

excellent! - just placed my order....

I spoke to a guy at work who is into models and flys model helecopters. He says that the waterslide paper is a pain in the arse and doesn't stick too well. He recomended adhesive vinyl which you can print to I might get some of this.

Vinyl sounds like a good idea, harder wearing and replaceable.

Hey did anyone on this thread have any luck with making their own decals or not?

I've sent my EPS file to porter7474, here on the LFGSS forum
A couple of days later I had excellent vinyl stickers at home in NL for a very reasonable price.
Today I got my order from Cyclomondo, Australia. Copy of ALAN decals. I am disappointed with these decals.
I found the price high but reasonable, but the print (or hot ... ) quality rather poor.
I also doubt the colors.

Look for the thread where porter7474 offered his services and get in touch with him.
If not too difficult and complex, I can do your EPS files, based on whatever you come up with.

http://www.londonfgss.com/thread22159.html

Really?

My Columbus stickers look the shit. And I have some old Lewis path racer stickers that look fantastic.

I am waiting on some custom waterslide decals from JR at http://www.velocals.com/
I was after waterslide (because they are thin), and I needed a white backing layer so the dark paint didn't show through. They should arrive in the next week.
Greg at Cyclomondo advised he is too busy.
Slowstephen has also suggested http://www.hlloydcycles.com/ for custom decals
There are printers which will print white (ALPS MD-5000 is one) and waterslide decal paper is available.

I got some vinyl stickers cut for my gf's bike. I havent lacquered them on but they seem pretty well stuck. They are thicker than decals and feel a bit rough on a smooth frame. I got a second pair cut as well so the surround could be used as a stencil with a bit of spray paint.
Not the best pic but you can see one of the stickers on the tt.

Does anyone have any recommendations for text only graphics? I only want a one off, but in kinda chrome vinyl lettering and a very specific font. Any clues?