better decals

I'm confused. I have done some reseach on decal sets, but still don't "get it". What is the difference between mylar and vinyl cut decals? Some of my tractors have one large rectangle decal on the side that says "FARMALL, ect". There is a distinct edge to these dacals. I always thought these looked cheap and unprofessional, but are these the vinyl cut decals? I also have tractors, older repaints, that have decals that seem to not have any edges at all and, in my opinion, look much nicer and "cleaner". Are these mylar? Which is the better, that is would hold up better and longer? Where is the best sourse for purchasesing decal sets that are high quality and at a fair price?

Thanks in advance.

Leo

Maple-Hunter has the most accurate and appropriately priced decals from what I have seen.
Maple-Hunter Decals
P.O. Box 805, Riley, IN 47871
812-894-9759
Cheap decals are just that, cheap.

The rectangle decals are mylar, the die cut decals have no material between the letters. the letter series came from the factory with mylar. The correct police insist on that type. They are ok if left inside, the rectangle becomes more obvious if left outside. Die cut is more durable, and in my opinion look better, not all will agree. It is your decision.

The original decals were water set decals which are no longer produced. The entire decal had the letters on a clear background. Modern Mylar decals are a stick on decal with all of the letters on a clear sheet and look like the original. Vinyl cut decals are the individual letters cut from vinyl. They are a sharper and cleaner looking decal but do not look original. It is a matter of personal taste. Original look go Mylar, sharpe looking go vinyl cut. Your choice.

Harold H

I think your question has already been answered as to what the two different types are you asked about. I am just going to add that I try to be an originality type guy but just can't do the mylar decals. The two tractors I have with mylar ones I've noticed that the edges lose adhesiveness in a couple of years and a little curl begins somewhere along an edge. I keep my tractors inside a closed building when not being used with no light getting on them and that mylar does yellow somewhat in a few year and becomes noticeable. I've been using the die cuts from Maple-Hunter and have been very pleased with them both for installing and the appearance once installed. I would certainly stay away from those mylar sets sold at the typical farm and home type stores as they may have been there on the shelf for years by the time you buy them and already quite aged. I don't recall seeing date information on any except the old original water release ones which were only good for around 5 or 6 years when stored under controlled conditions. Good luck in your restoration efforts, Hal.

Interesting subject here. One thing that peoples sometimes forget. These tractors did NOT come from the factory with clear coat, high gloss, hardened urathane enamel. Decals were hand placed and not perfectly level or aligned. Paint jobs had runs and spluges. However, for those that take that time and effort: God bless you!

So, I also try to be correct, and I do my best to make things right, but a "see yourself in the glossy paint" job is NOT my objective. I also just don't slap paint on rust or years of dried grease. I also use vinyl decals that are correct for the model and year of the tractor.

The beautiful thing about your tractor is that it is YOUR tractor and you can do whatever the heck you want with it. I personally find the vinyl decals a bit easier to deal with, but to each his own.

I met a guy at a tractor show that actually sanded and puttied his whole tractor "baby's butt smooth" including the engine and tranny castings. Thing looked like an Ertl model. If that is what you are looking to do, go for it. If not, relax a bit, and use your pocket book and your available time to decide how you want to proceed. I actually think the best investment of "short on time" situations is to make the mechanical things absolutely right, and the paint and finish needs to be clean and neat, but NOT perfect.

Heck, my "in it's work clothes" 1938 F-20 gets more looks at the shows than one of my redone letter series. It purrs like a kitten with a hair ball at idle, and makes your heart go pitter patter for the smooth, throaty sound it makes when pulling the sled...............nothing sounds like an F-20 under load squattin' down and pullin'

IMHO.