Clear coat and Decals

[RPalmer]

Is there any reason not to spray clear coat over decals? I'm painting my garden trailer. And when I get her done I'm going to put on some decals. To my thinking a coat of clear over them would be great. But I have never done anything like this before.

[cubcraig]

I dont think i would clear the decal, the clear could have a reaction, and change the color of the decal or the clear not dry clear. Its alot easier to change the sticker than to repaint.

[TBell]

Also the decal will expand and contract at a different rate than the clear, if its on top it can move as it pleases. If the decal is under the clear it's moving will form cracks and allow moisture to enter under the clear, then you end up with something that looks like a 1990 Chevy pickup (if you've seen one you know what I mean).
Terry

[superduty5.9]

Originally Posted by TBell

then you end up with something that looks like a 1990 Chevy pickup (if you've seen one you know what I mean).
Terry

That's too funny! I know what you mean I have a 1990 Chevy C1500.

[RPalmer]

Thanks guys. This whole painting thing is new to me. Your reasons for not clear coating a decal makes perfect sense.

[ajgross]

Also to help put your decal on, lightly spray some soapy water on the painted surface first. It will allow you to move the decal around as needed and it will be al lot easier to get the air bubbles out. And no, it doesn't hurt the adhesive. Good luck!

AJ

[Yosemite Sam]

I have read on other forums where people have clear coated over their decals, I've always just kinda scratched my head when I read where someone has done it...

[RPalmer]

I have two IH decals coming. I'm gonna put one one the front and the other on the removable tailgate. I'll post before and after pictures. I'll tell ya, for my first paint project that was a lot of flat surface to make runs (or not). I also never knew just how much work was involved in prepping. Sorta makes me look forward to doing tractor parts. I hope to have it finished in about a week.

[placeebo effect]

there is the chance that the decals themselves will react to the clearcoat(bubbling up). had that happen when I worked for a bus manufacturer. the only clearcoating we used for decals was called edge seal and it was used on the edges of the decals only

[clint]

I agree with the others, do not clear over the decals. My reasons would be it may take days to weeks, maybe even months for the decal to "cure" without anything over it, the glue may never cure if you clear over it. Also the edges of the decal will never look right to me any way when you paint over them. If you ever just look at someones work when painting if they have painted over (clear, paint whatever) decals, pin stripes etc it just looks like shoddy workmanship, and as you said you put all that work into prep, I know for sure you would be unhappy with yourself if you were to clear/paint over the decals. Post pictures please, I plan to do my 1450 one of these days... maybe you can get good enough with an airbrush to "paint/make" the decals, then you could clear over them without any objection from me !!