Reg raises some good points. I have always preferred painting, probably because when decals were first being generated the colors were not completely opaque plus I didn't have the patience. So at the time I only used them on helmet logos, names and white jerseys. Now I know they (decals) have gotten better but I still prefer painting.

For me the rule is if I can paint it then I do. I use self adhesive vinyl numbers that I either trim by hand or they are cut by a vinyl cutter. I make decals for names but sometimes I use paper and paint around it.

Like Reg said it's in the eye of the beholder. I can deal with stripes that aren't exactly the same especially if it means that their is no dot pattern or transparency.

David C.