SS Decal - technical discussion

[Ty Smith]

I was hoping we could have a quick discussion on the manufacturing of SS decals. It is my understanding that SS decals are made from three seperate layers. One layer is the base white, one is the metallic flake and finally the black runes.
Whereas, reproductions are printed and have only one layer.
I'm curious if this is correct. Can anyone comment on this process?
Darryl, Perry, Larry, Everyone?

[Perry Floyd]

They're repo's that are multi-layer that have been out there...

[darryl-P]

Ty,
Perry is right...there are multi-layered repros out there now so that is not a definitive way to assess an original SS decal anymore. However, you can certainly rule out a lot of them by knowing this is how they were constructed.

As you say, decals were made in layered format. The (normally) white base coat was covered with the next darkest colour then the darkest colour...normally black. Amazingly the decals were still micro-thin even with this layered process.

Another thing to keep in mind is that they were not plastic so they chipped rather than tore when damaged.

Cheers,

[Ty Smith]

SS decal

Thanks Perry and Darryl. That's good info to know. I didn't realize that there are repros like that.

I was just curious about the manufacturing process of original SS decals. It seems that some original aged SS decals have some of the metallic flake worn and you see only the white backing.