Correct Cat decals, Early Lil'Indian decals

bbiggs54

bbiggs54

Well-Known Member
#1
#1
Seems like someone on this site has a clue where one may get correct printed on FOIL, HPE Muskin Cat decals. I also posted a need for early Lil'Indian decals which I think are printed on foil as well (no answers to that post as well). Does anyone know where or who prints decals on foil and what the problem is with printing on foil? I had to get a printer to configure my 400TS decals on clear vinyl so when I applied them over the chrome it appeared as if they were foil. That particular printer mumbled something about foil printing but I didn't get the response (he's out of business). It was expensive to get done and I'm not going to pay for that again for the Eliminator decals I need. I see in past posts (old) where someone was reproducing them correctly. There are Cat decals out there but I can't figure why anyone would buy these inferior reproductions other than that's all there is. Any suggestions?
 
nightgrider

nightgrider

Well-Known Member
#2
#2
@bbiggs54 These guys maybe able to help you out, but you'd need to provide them the graphics or have someone make the graphics. But calling and asking can't hurt.
http://www.monroesigns.com/

I know @copyman had a BC-1300 engine decal printed on foil. I'm not sure what shop he went with in the end, but the decal turned out nice.
https://oldminibikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/bonanza-label.178481/post-1313354

My cousin works in a print shop and I asked him a similar question about chrome/metallic decals. This was about 2 years ago, so if my memory serves me most print shops shy away, because:
1. It requires a special printer and ink to print on metallic vinyl.
2. Even with the correct printer and ink, the metallic vinyl wants to jam the ink in the print head. (it's something to do with the printing temperatures and the reflectivity of the metallic vinyl)
3. Metallic vinyl is just more expensive verse other colors.
4. Metallic vinyl doesn't stand up to the elements, so the decals need replaced more often. (More of an issue for signs and things like fire trucks, but outdoor signs and things are a print shops bread and butter. A Customer that pays a lot for a decal then it doesn't last maybe a 2-4 seasons, is not a happy customer. Not as big an issue for a mini bike, especially if stored indoors, but the high cost is as you said, something you didn't want to do again.)
5. The demand just isn't there for most print shops to invest in the necessary equipment.

I can ask him again to get a refresher on the why's and why nots, in case my memory has failed me. Probably not a bad idea, haven't seen him in a while. haha

Peewee (@minibike wee) is in the printing game and a big name in the world of vintage mini bike decals. He can correct me if I've provided poor information. Hope this sheds a little bit of light on the topic. Thanks
 
Steve73

Steve73

Well-Known Member
#3
#3
bbiggs54 said:
Seems like someone on this site has a clue where one may get correct printed on FOIL, HPE Muskin Cat decals. I also posted a need for early Lil'Indian decals which I think are printed on foil as well (no answers to that post as well). Does anyone know where or who prints decals on foil and what the problem is with printing on foil? I had to get a printer to configure my 400TS decals on clear vinyl so when I applied them over the chrome it appeared as if they were foil. That particular printer mumbled something about foil printing but I didn't get the response (he's out of business). It was expensive to get done and I'm not going to pay for that again for the Eliminator decals I need. I see in past posts (old) where someone was reproducing them correctly. There are Cat decals out there but I can't figure why anyone would buy these inferior reproductions other than that's all there is. Any suggestions?
Click to expand...
Here is a nos water slide decal. Hope that helps at least?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3260457468...x2phAIMStS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
 
bbiggs54

bbiggs54

Well-Known Member
#6
#6

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bbiggs54

bbiggs54

Well-Known Member
#7
#7
nightgrider said:
@bbiggs54 These guys maybe able to help you out, but you'd need to provide them the graphics or have someone make the graphics. But calling and asking can't hurt.
http://www.monroesigns.com/

I know @copyman had a BC-1300 engine decal printed on foil. I'm not sure what shop he went with in the end, but the decal turned out nice.
https://oldminibikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/bonanza-label.178481/post-1313354

My cousin works in a print shop and I asked him a similar question about chrome/metallic decals. This was about 2 years ago, so if my memory serves me most print shops shy away, because:
1. It requires a special printer and ink to print on metallic vinyl.
2. Even with the correct printer and ink, the metallic vinyl wants to jam the ink in the print head. (it's something to do with the printing temperatures and the reflectivity of the metallic vinyl)
3. Metallic vinyl is just more expensive verse other colors.
4. Metallic vinyl doesn't stand up to the elements, so the decals need replaced more often. (More of an issue for signs and things like fire trucks, but outdoor signs and things are a print shops bread and butter. A Customer that pays a lot for a decal then it doesn't last maybe a 2-4 seasons, is not a happy customer. Not as big an issue for a mini bike, especially if stored indoors, but the high cost is as you said, something you didn't want to do again.)
5. The demand just isn't there for most print shops to invest in the necessary equipment.

I can ask him again to get a refresher on the why's and why nots, in case my memory has failed me. Probably not a bad idea, haven't seen him in a while. haha

Peewee (@minibike wee) is in the printing game and a big name in the world of vintage mini bike decals. He can correct me if I've provided poor information. Hope this sheds a little bit of light on the topic. Thanks
Click to expand...
Wow thanks for the explanation!
 
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