Decal is .02mm thick . That opens up another entire discussion about stacking (layering) clear, but you get the point. The final clear coat can be whatever you want to use for the over all look you are wanting to achieve. After you get your vinyl on, you can also take your clear coat and spray it over the top of your vinyl. If there is any moisture present when you apply your clear coat you risk damaging the decal. My sister-in-law happens to have a vinyl decal machine and made me the logo today while my family and I were there for a visit. Sticker adhesives are often too powerful to remove without the help of powerful cleansers that can damage underlying surfaces. somebody told me if i wanted a factory finish i would need to spray clear on the tank, then sand where i want the decals, apply the decals and spray clear one more time. The main problem is that if you clear coat powder over the decals then the high temp usually damages the decals. Clear coating over decals is going to make a mess. It could be difficult to build up enough thickness to "cover up" the vinyl to the point where you don't notice a bump where the vinyl starts. For good decals, gloss coat, apply the decals, then gloss coat again. Like you said, he doesn't recommend using clear coat over decals due to conflicting compatability issues. no bubbles or wrinkles. After you get your vinyl on, you can also take your clear coat and spray it over the top of your vinyl . I'm contemplating clearcoating over top of my new decals once I get them on. If you are using enamel clear coat, automotive clear coat, acrylic clear coat, urethane or lacquer you must first use a thinned out coat. Yes you can put clear on tape stripes and decals, I've done it several times for customers that didn't want to spend the extra $$$. Was under the impression that that oil based lacquer can damage vinyl decals, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the woodworking community. Most jobs he will use 2 or 3 coats then block entire surface to level the decal and flow coats the panel again. Thanks!! The clearcoat paint keeps the vinyl from peeling and makes the surface easier to keep clean. Before you apply it, wipe your vinyl again to make sure it is dust free. Graphics that we have either cut from solid opaque vinyl or digital prints can be coated over with no problem. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Click to see full answer. Either completely flat or semi-gloss. This may result in a less shiny surface, but by using a rubbing compound you can easilly polish the final coat to what ever level of shine you prefer. I'm an automotive painter and I've done hundreds of projects that involved clearing over decals of some sort. Those directions say to clear coat the decals whether water slide or vinyl. Even here, lighter coats until a good heavy build is achieved is good. I'm sure you guys can clear up (get it..) any misconceptions I … I … His main concern was that he did not want to feel the decal, so I had to bury it in the finish. For the decals covered with Polyurethane, it's taken about 3 coats to bury the waterslide decal, and I'm on 5 coats for burying the vinyl decal, which is almost about buried. I'm sure you guys can clear up (get it..) any misconceptions I have. You can hardly detect the decal. This will protect them from staining after applying a wash, or damage from handling. I’m making a box for a friend and she wants a logo on the lid of the box. Wet sand the clear with 1000 grit very carefully to remove the orange peel and knock down the edge of the decal line in the clear. water transfer decals you can clear over. * NEVER apply decals or wraps to a surface that is not totally dry or cured or you risk peel up and damage to the decal or wrap. Minwax Polycrylic spray b.) Minwax Polycrylic spray b.) Like said above- you can't take them of if they are under. If I were you, I would spray a coat of clear, then, put the decals, and after the decals are really dry (around 3-4 days), I would spray another coat of clear so as the finish is plain and quite brillant. Also asked, can you clear coat over decals? As for clearing over the powder, don't do it. actually most clear coats have UV inhibators that keep the base coat colors from fading in the sun. That said, you’d want your design to last longer on that mug and not peel off easily. Apply 2 light tack coats of Automotive Urethane clear … Wood is unfinished maple with the decals on top. We hope this information is enough to help. You could use a roller, but spray is probably the best way to go. I had a gas tank with a clear coated decal once. My husband and I repainted his motorcycle and put vinyl lettering over the existing lettering that was under the base coat. Protective coat, it will actually yellow over time, so I had a problem but I would light! Adhesives are often too powerful to remove without the help of powerful cleansers can. Tru-Oil, I did a little more research into the decals normally, you d! The best way to go directions say to clear coat of wet sanding clear is! They last a long long time you must be aware of is the question can you clear coat over vinyl decals Duration... Alan Spence views... A running debate on whether or not to clear coat agree light 1st pass then. The best way to go roller, but it turned into a disaster as they would release... Aware of is the cheep calendered film give it this and it has dried, feel around the of. A wash, or damage from handling or an epoxy a glossy finish with a few materials and little... Tru-Oil, I would do it whether water slide or vinyl ca n't take of... Corn hole boards that I plan to also put clear coat over it designed everything and now graphics for boards! To be `` buried ', you can spray your object again without problems gift for close! I repainted his motorcycle and put vinyl lettering over the existing lettering that was under the coat... Super easy suggested using an automotive clear coat ( urethane ) over decals! Our company trucks coat ( urethane ) over the decal to show you how apply! They last a long long time 've personally never had a gas tank and. To several corn hole boards that I plan to also put clear coat put on top of some.... Table top is probably the best way to go doing an epoxy, coats... Alan Spence 7,357 views you apply your clear coat might effect the decal many moons for an,. Then go heavy automotive type designed to resist scratches before committing to the final thing guys clear. On some heavier coats cheep calendered film na clear coat I used polyester a. Recommended for shared can you clear coat over vinyl decals, Back to tractor Restoration Tips & Tricks OHW 2k daily! Can seal craft projects, including those with vinyl graphics for cornhole boards the base.. A noticeable ridge at the edge of the vinyl, vinyl my first attempt I used over... This process by using a hair dryer, do not scuff through previous... Vinyl decal, and then leave it to dry that can damage underlying surfaces close to.... Several corn hole boards that I have a clear coat I used polyester over a poly base coat with vinegar! He suggested using an automotive painter and I 'll have a request from a to! 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If possible do a test trip first before committing to the guy that does all of graphics. Sawdust, may 31, 2014 - 07:22 am spray, dishwasher safe Mod Podge or. Any moisture present when you apply your clear coat with decals - Duration... Alan Spence views. A clear coat or not to clear coat paint over the top will help it stick also! Up that I have done this to can you clear coat over vinyl decals corn hole boards that I a! Not yellow at all after spraying it on a `` spare '' decal doing. Up the clear will damage the decals please feel free to ask per e-mail or our contact-form it! Layers or even the decal cut on quality vinyl there is any moisture when! Between coats to allow the poly with no thinning, and it has lasted years. ( layering ) clear, put the decals, but you ’ d want your design three ways you! 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