Decals - removing decals from Frame/Carbon Forks?

[cool_hand]

I have Genesis Equilibrium Ti (purchased used a couple of years ago) and I'm considering removing the decals from the frame and the forks. I just don't like them.
My guess is removing from the frame should be fairly easy although suggestions on how to do this is welcome.
What is more concerning is the decal on the carbon fork. The fork appears to have a clear gloss lacquer applied to it and my concern is removing the decal will damage the finish or leave a mark on the fork; what do you think?

 

[fossyant]

Leave it be, you'll make a mess. The Ti looks to have painted decal's I think, but by taking it off with any abrasive will change the 'finish' so you'll probably end up seeing where the decals were and you'll probably need a professional polish after. The forks, it will be under a lacquer, so again will need finishing off.

If the decals are vinyl, then heat and peal off, but they don't look it.

 

[ianrauk]

To remove the decals on the frame you need nail polish remover or acetone (buy a bottle from the bay).
Don't listen to @fossyant , he doesn't know
It will remove the decals from the frame no problem without leaving any trace or marks. He's right about the forks though.

 

[Fastpedaller]

DO NOT use nail varnish remover or acetone (nb acetate is incorrect Ianrauk ) anywhere near carbon parts because it could ruin them .... or near paint either!

 

[fossyant]

Just don't get anything abrasive in the paint removal or you'll alter the finish so let the acetate get to work. Eg G3 paint restorer will remove the transfers but you'll get a nicely polished section of Ti frame.

 

[cool_hand]

The decal that's on the fork is on the surface - it is not under the lacquer.

 

[ianrauk]

DO NOT use nail varnish remover or acetone (nb acetate is incorrect Ianrauk ) anywhere near carbon parts because it could ruin them .... or near paint either!

Sorry, yes, Acetone

 

[cool_hand]

This Equilibrium Ti is a 2014 model. Genesis decal design had been this large block of colour with the logos usually knocked out/stencilled.

In 2015 the decals got a redesign and IMO they were much improved. They dropped the coloured holding blocks, the Equilibrium logo became a subtle script font (similar to Coca Cola) applied positive on the top tube.

 

[wafter]

If the decal on the fork is lacquered over you're stuck unless you use abrasives and re-finish which will carry risk. If on top you might have luck with a heat gun; however its effect on the composite beneath would concern me. Definitely stay away from solvents.

As for the frame, acetone might work if it's paint assuming the frame beneath is raw and not lacquered. That said if it doesn't work and you make a mess you'll be looking at other solvents (something should work) or abrasives which as already suggested might open up a can of worms re. matching the original brushed finished.

I'd be a little surprised if the stuff on the frame is paint, so you might want to try a heat gun first..

I think the least risky route (other than leaving it alone) is to restrict your efforts to the frame only..

 

[wafter]

Other than the guff on the seatpost tube I think the branding looks alright tbh..

 

[Witzend]

I have Genesis Equilibrium Ti (purchased used a couple of years ago) and I'm considering removing the decals from the frame and the forks. I just don't like them.
My guess is removing from the frame should be fairly easy although suggestions on how to do this is welcome.
What is more concerning is the decal on the carbon fork. The fork appears to have a clear gloss lacquer applied to it and my concern is removing the decal will damage the finish or leave a mark on the fork; what do you think?

Check to see if the frame is coated - I'm currently re-badging a Stainless Steel Genesis because they put a clear plastic coating on the frame (too thick to be called a lacquer) and then fitted the decals on top. As the salt and UV has got to it, it is peeling off, taking the decals with it. Putting on the coating before the decals may be to smooth off the lightly brushed finish for them to better adhere.

Yours looks to have the same lightly brushed finish to mine, so to check if they've done the same to your Ti frame, look around the bottom bracket where the frame number is, rear dropouts or rear of seat tube for signs of peeling/bubbling/discolouration as that's where mine went first. If you think there's a coating, it will change your options for removal methods. If there is no coating, it is still likely to have a thin coat of lacquer over the top of the decals to help them stay on - it is recommended by the decal suppliers when applying them to any frame, more so with a brushed finish. Needless to say, this will make them harder to remove and inevitably damage the lacquer.

Be warned, if they are stuck directly to the metal, it will be nigh on impossible not to mark the frame, even though it is Ti. I've tried plastic scrapers, sharpened wooden lolly sticks, heat, WD40 - you name it. A gentle rub with fine wire wool is taking most of the scratch marks out but it is a long and painstaking process - literally millimetre by millimetre.

I got replacement decals from H Lloyd Cycles, and you can mix and match any Genesis ones to get the look you prefer, but I strongly advise caution.

If it's not already too late.

 

[cool_hand]

Check to see if the frame is coated - I'm currently re-badging a Stainless Steel Genesis because they put a clear plastic coating on the frame (too thick to be called a lacquer) and then fitted the decals on top. As the salt and UV has got to it, it is peeling off, taking the decals with it. Putting on the coating before the decals may be to smooth off the lightly brushed finish for them to better adhere.

Yours looks to have the same lightly brushed finish to mine, so to check if they've done the same to your Ti frame, look around the bottom bracket where the frame number is, rear dropouts or rear of seat tube for signs of peeling/bubbling/discolouration as that's where mine went first. If you think there's a coating, it will change your options for removal methods. If there is no coating, it is still likely to have a thin coat of lacquer over the top of the decals to help them stay on - it is recommended by the decal suppliers when applying them to any frame, more so with a brushed finish. Needless to say, this will make them harder to remove and inevitably damage the lacquer.

Be warned, if they are stuck directly to the metal, it will be nigh on impossible not to mark the frame, even though it is Ti. I've tried plastic scrapers, sharpened wooden lolly sticks, heat, WD40 - you name it. A gentle rub with fine wire wool is taking most of the scratch marks out but it is a long and painstaking process - literally millimetre by millimetre.

I got replacement decals from H Lloyd Cycles, and you can mix and match any Genesis ones to get the look you prefer, but I strongly advise caution.

If it's not already too late.

I'm fairly sure the frame is raw, no lacquer or plastic coating.

I wasn't looking to replace the decals but to have a bare Ti frame and fork. However, after the advice I received here I decided to leave it alone as it was clear I could not remove the decal from the fork without damaging the fork/leaving a mark.

Which Stainless Steel Genesis (year) do you own?

Please post some photos of your new decals.

 

[Witzend]

I'm fairly sure the frame is raw, no lacquer or plastic coating.

I wasn't looking to replace the decals but to have a bare Ti frame and fork. However, after the advice I received here I decided to leave it alone as it was clear I could not remove the decal from the fork without damaging the fork/leaving a mark.

Which Stainless Steel Genesis (year) do you own?

Please post some photos of your new decals.

I think you have made a wise decision, especially as having had a closer look at mine, there is a layer of lacquer over the top of the decals as well.

I didn't think my frame had a coating until it started to break down, but if it were raw stainless, it would show every finger mark so I can see why. I'd be surprised if they've not done the same for yours as it is also around 2014 (bought in 2016). Bear in mind, I've run mine year round for about 30k miles, hence the salt has got to it. If there's no evidence of a coating, run your finger across the 'grain' of the brushed finish - if it feels smooth, it's probably got one, or at least a coat of lacquer. Where I've removed it from mine, there is a perceptible 'drag'.

I haven't fitted the new decals yet as I am still stripping the frame (another 3hrs today), and they are sandwiched between backing sheets, but here are a couple of photos of the bike and a link to the decals to see some others - note, these are what they have already printed, they will do you any of the others but you have to wait longer (not that I recommend you do it). I had to get the tubing decal from Reynolds - H Lloyd's do some, but not that one.

https://hlloydcycles.com/pages/search-results-page?q=genesis

 

[cool_hand]

I think you have made a wise decision, especially as having had a closer look at mine, there is a layer of lacquer over the top of the decals as well.

I didn't think my frame had a coating until it started to break down, but if it were raw stainless, it would show every finger mark so I can see why. I'd be surprised if they've not done the same for yours as it is also around 2014 (bought in 2016). Bear in mind, I've run mine year round for about 30k miles, hence the salt has got to it. If there's no evidence of a coating, run your finger across the 'grain' of the brushed finish - if it feels smooth, it's probably got one, or at least a coat of lacquer. Where I've removed it from mine, there is a perceptible 'drag'.

I haven't fitted the new decals yet as I am still stripping the frame (another 3hrs today), and they are sandwiched between backing sheets, but here are a couple of photos of the bike and a link to the decals to see some others - note, these are what they have already printed, they will do you any of the others but you have to wait longer (not that I recommend you do it). I had to get the tubing decal from Reynolds - H Lloyd's do some, but not that one.

https://hlloydcycles.com/pages/search-results-page?q=genesis

Croix de Fer!! Nice. Yes, it's from the same year (2014) as my Ti.

Stainless steel is rated corrosion resistant which is why Genesis probably had a protective coating applied to your frame. Maybe a polymer based lacquer which has started to break down. Instead of applying a new protective coating you could consider using a post wash protective spray, something like Muc-Off Bike Protect.

https://muc-off.com/products/bike-protect-500ml

 

[Rusty Nails]

I also didn't like the Genesis decals on my steel Equilibrium, but rather than trying to get rid of them I covered them over. Bought some plain vinyl sheets in grey, stuck them on and put the brand/model names I'd sourced from an online seller over the grey vinyl. Been on for eight years now and still looking good. May not be to everyone's taste but works for me.