Clearcoating over decals, how to do it right?
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I just painted a motorcycle tank with decals on it, but got some nasty runs where the decals are. What’s the best technique to avoid this? Start with a thin tack layer over the decal, wait a couple of minutes, and then a wet coat?
Just clearcoat as normal one or two coats whatever the product indicates, if you dont want and lines around your decals you will have to coat it dry it out 1000 dry da flat and re clearcoat it, the temptation is to ‘swamp it’ to get rid of the edges of you decals causing your runs.
I’ve done these on tanks before.
One thing I make sure of is that the decal has no more gloss than a satin finish. Then as stated above, clear as usual.
[quote=”InvictaRefinish” post=25561]Just clearcoat as normal one or two coats whatever the product indicates.[/quote]
That’s exactly what i did. I just shot the clear as i normally do, as if there were no decals, did no “stupid” things. After the first medium wet layer, i got pretty bad runs almost instantly.
Maybe those decals aren’t suitable for under clearcoat?Etch the decal with 800 grit or grey scratch pad to give the clear some tooth 😉
[quote=”Anders” post=25560]I just painted a motorcycle tank with decals on it, but got some nasty runs where the decals are. What’s the best technique to avoid this? Start with a thin tack layer over the decal, wait a couple of minutes, and then a wet coat?[/quote]
You answered your own question. The tack coat will neutralize the surface tension and should eliminate that problem for you in the future. I usually do a tack over the entire substrate getting cleared though, not just the decal.
clear always likes to gather on an edge so while the rest of the clear is tacked up that edge can still be wet. slightly lighter coats with a longer flash will help this plus what the other guys said.
I’ve done quite a few of these and have to agree with the others.. light grey scotch brite it.. Tack coat on decal. Clear as normal with a little longer flash time between
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