How to attach graphics to frame For attaching graphics to a painted metal bike frame, is there a better option than Scotch tape or clear packing tape?  I'm looking for something transparent and adhesive, but not so adhesive it can't be repositioned or removed later.

The graphics I have in mind are home-printed "stickers" (but on printer paper, so they don't have adhesive) and registration marks for things like seat and handlebar position and angle.  I'm not up to speed on painting, so that's not an option.

Scotch tape isn't fully transparent and I don't think it's going to last.

Clear packing tape is nice because it's clear but the adhesive can be hard to remove after a while without using things that can damage paint.



The project's coming along.  I'll have a final report after I try some with sticker paper in the printer.



Here's a picture taken when using Gorilla Clear Repair Tape (on seat tube above the FD) and packing tape (below the FD).  For anyone horrified by the condition of the frame, keep in mind this is my beater bike, meant to look not worth stealing.  If it hadn't come this way I'd have had to distress it on purpose.



Sizing tests on the frame and a reminder on the stem, both with Scotch tape.  The one on the stem has been holding for three months.
If you want to use tape, then you want to use what's commonly called "helicopter tape" (or "racing tape" or "repair tape") by car customizers. It looks like transparent packing tape but is much stronger. The story goes that the tape was used to cover the leading edge of helicopter blades to protect them. So it's tough, waterproof, and won't easily peel. And when you do have to peel it off, it comes off relatively cleanly (the remainder cleans up with GooGone or similar removal liquid).

That said, you need to be careful of what you're covering. Even with helicopter tape, some moisture always finds a way of getting underneath into the paper so it should be printed with waterproof ink. And UV light will also fade. So you generally shouldn't just use something that's coming out of your home inkjet printer.