Clear Coat Decals

Dr. Walt · Feb 9, 2017

I'm putting new decals on my CAT dozer, I also want to Clear Coat the machine to protect the finish.

Can Clear Coat be sprayed over the decals without destroying the decals?

Thanks!

Doc :>)

David G · Feb 9, 2017

I would not, finish machine, then put on decals.

Stephen Newell · Feb 9, 2017

It won't melt the decal but the finish would probably create bubbles around the edges. If you have already applied the decals I would mask them off and spray the clear around the decals. If the decals are not applied yet it would be much better to apply them after the clear coat.

Dr. Walt · Feb 10, 2017

Stephen & David - Thank you for your responses. I was initially thinking of applying the first layer of Clear Coat and after it had cured, applying the Decals and then applying the second coat of Clear Coat to give the final finish to the machine and at the same time have a protective cover over the Decals. - This is the reason for my initial question.

Doc :>)

CNKS · Feb 10, 2017

I don't know what paint you have. Decent paints have be added when "dry" with out sanded again, but they have their own rules, they are not all the same. At least one has done what you what you want. If he reads he may answer it.

David G · Feb 11, 2017

I would not add additional paint after the previous had cured without sanding, put it on within the recommended time or leave it alone.

dr sportster · Feb 11, 2017

You have to dust on the first coat lightly and let it dry then medium coat then normal [ I don't want to call it heavy]. Normal let it flow out.

jasinpa · Feb 11, 2017

ive been told not to clear over decals , i will also add some paints ( like i just used) require the paint to be completely dry befor clear coating , at least 48 hrs cure time , if the paint isnt completely dry the clear will bubble the paint , i had this happen to me in a spot i got the paint a little thick and wasnt dry clean throw , was dry to touch thow.

RandyB(MI) · Feb 12, 2017

Vinyl decals expand and contract at a different rate than clear-cote paint. Eventually it will "pull" loose at the edges and possibly flake or at least "break" the surface. If it never sees sun might be safe..

dr sportster · Feb 12, 2017

I did some research and it is recommended that the decals be wiped down with adhesion promoter before spraying clear. I have clear coated decals on a Harley tank that has lasted since the early 1990s with no signs of lifting or any failure. It can be done successfully.

Inno · Feb 23, 2017

Why not apply the outline of the decal, mask off the rest and spray whatever color you want the decals to be over top of your base coat? Then clear the whole thing.

umc · May 4, 2017

if they are vinyl decals they are designed to be cleared over the vinyl has microscopic hole in them to where the clear will go threw them and bond to what is underneath..

Clear Coat Decals

Dr. Walt

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David G

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Stephen Newell

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Dr. Walt

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CNKS

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David G

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dr sportster

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jasinpa

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RandyB(MI)

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dr sportster

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Inno

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umc

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