In a message dated 29/08/2005 21:49:48 GMT Standard Time, fatticbicycles@qtm.net writes:
Victor, burying decals in clear is a labor intense practice that custom painters use and not likely to be found on OEM bikes of any year or of any kind. After the decals are applied, Multiple coats of clear have to go over just the decal area, lengthening the "wet out" area on each pass so their is a layer transition.
Is the word "Burying" open to different interpretations. My thought was that it just referred to the common practice of applying clear coat after the decals were applied, to give protection, whereas the process described is that of beautifully finishing the frame so that the surface is absolutely smooth. With the regular clear coat over decals, you can feel and see the ridge around the decals. It seems like there are two questions: When did people start putting a regular clear coat over decals to make them last longer? and When did the top class frame finishers start the process of building up the clear coat to get a super smooth finish?
Hugh Thornton
Cheshire, England