Topic: Paint experts... How do you gloss coat over decals?

[billdramp]

Painting folks,

I painted a tank with 2 stage pro paint... sanded the clear and buffed it all out to look pretty good, Then I applied the proper decals that I bought for the bike. But now I def. want to paint another coat of clear over the decals.

How should I go about doing this?

I assume I would have to sand the surface of the clear with 1200 grit to rough it up a bit to adhere? But what do you do about the decals?

Anyone have any suggestions on how to go about doing this properly so that I don't screw it up and have to start all over?

Thanks!

Billy / Portland

[greenjeans]

I've always cleared, then sanded 1000 grit, then applied the decals, then re-shot the clear, then sanded and finally buffed.
Since you have already sanded and buffed, you're in a bit of a pickle...your are going to have to de-grease it pretty good to get all of your polishing residue etc off... If you clear on top of buffed clear, you'll run the risk of it flaking off in the future.  Paint needs a chemical bond (ie base coat clear coat painted within a specified time frame) or a mechanical bond - sanded surface...  If you can, degrease it thoroughly and sand as close as you can get to the decal.   If the paint is recent, you want to make sure it is FULLY CURED - I can't stress that enough.  Wait a while, and then wait a little more.  Leave it in the sun for a while, leave it in your car with the windows rolled up on a hot day for a while.  If you shoot clear when the surface isn't cured you run the risk of crazing/lifting either way and you're paint job irs ruined.   Take your time, let it cure & it should work out just fine.  And finally,  I'd put 2-3 mist (really, really light coats) on first before & let it flash before you lay down your final wet coats - I've found that it's easier on the decals than just going heavy at first.  Those paint chemicals & some of the adhesives used on decals don't always play nice together.

One other thing.... don't sand the decals.

[billdramp]

GreenJeans,

Thanks for the advice.  That is about what I assumed.  Next time though,  I will not buff before applying the decals.
I will give it the ol' college try in the next few days.

Cheers from Portland,

Billy

[greenjeans]

Can't help you now. I applied my decals over the color coat before spraying in with clear. Just make sure that when you spray the clear again that the decals are firmly applied. The clear will tend to lift the decals.

Yep...that's where the mist coats come into play.  Put several down and let flash between coats.  That seems to help with the decals lifting.  If you start with wet coats, there is more paint/solvent to attack the decal's adhesive... the mist coats kinda get to it gradually.