Hi Guys,

I am doing a tank on a Vintage bike. Owner has supplied decals that are raised/textured. They feel solid so I don't think they are air filled. Never worked with these before. My thoughts are to clear the tank as normal and once dry enough to handle (next day) apply the decal (they have a sticky back) and clear the whole tank again. My concern is if I should 800 wet the new clear and then apply the decals or if I am inside of 24 hrs. the last coats of clear will adhere fine. I will see what the TDS says though. Has anyone used a textured/raised decal? Thanks for any advice.

i have done a lot of tanks with decals BUT not the raised ones like you have. here's the advice. i would spray a couple coats of clear on the tank then let it set for several days in the sun if posible. the clear NEEDS to gas out COMPLETELY or you're going to get bubbles under your decal from the gas out, mainly under the flag part. let it set for 4-5 days then sand with your 800 apply the decals and reclear. you're going to have to be REAL CAREFUL with your clear spray build up on the raised portion of the decal. to wet and its going to run down off the letters, to dry and it's not going to be smooth, and you can't buff it. is it posible that these decals are NOT supposed to be clear coated?
Jay D.

Man, I think that I would have to get somebody on the phone from that manufacturer before proceeding to clear over those. Usually with artwork we have to apply like this in woods and metals the "higher"/"thicker" the application the less likely that we would be coating over it. The problem becomes the "dissimilar" materials syndrome where the two surfaces in strong sun or intense cold do not move at the same rate and want to tear at their edge/join area.

badsix wrote:i have done a lot of tanks with decals BUT not the raised ones like you have. here's the advice. i would spray a couple coats of clear on the tank then let it set for several days in the sun if posible. the clear NEEDS to gas out COMPLETELY or you're going to get bubbles under your decal from the gas out, mainly under the flag part. let it set for 4-5 days then sand with your 800 apply the decals and reclear. you're going to have to be REAL CAREFUL with your clear spray build up on the raised portion of the decal. to wet and its going to run down off the letters, to dry and it's not going to be smooth, and you can't buff it. is it posible that these decals are NOT supposed to be clear coated?
Jay D.

I can see the very real risk of too heavy and running. I'll do some research to see if indeed they are meant to be cleared over.

DarrelK wrote:Man, I think that I would have to get somebody on the phone from that manufacturer before proceeding to clear over those. Usually with artwork we have to apply like this in woods and metals the "higher"/"thicker" the application the less likely that we would be coating over it. The problem becomes the "dissimilar" materials syndrome where the two surfaces in strong sun or intense cold do not move at the same rate and want to tear at their edge/join area.

Excellent thought about speaking with the mfg'r to see if they need to be cleared. I'll ask the owner where he purchased them.

not a chance in hell would i ever trying clearing over those.

its going to be really tough to get your clear to look good in between those letter on the tank with them raised like that without loading the face of the letters so heavy you end up with very heavy edges.

my advice is dont do it.

I have seen a few Rickman's and that decal just sits on top of the paint. It always looked a little goofy to me.

If he is going "period correct" I'd do a little more research, if not you could have those decals remade flat.

this reminded me of my Freightliner truck painting days RIVETS, i hate em !
Jay D.

Thanks Guys!! It's a no brainer at this point...if a PRO says he would not attempt it then a hack like me needs to heed that advice. This makes the job easier for me and the end result will be a lot better. Thanks!!

PainterDave wrote:not a chance in hell would i ever trying clearing over those.

its going to be really tough to get your clear to look good in between those letter on the tank with them raised like that without loading the face of the letters so heavy you end up with very heavy edges.

my advice is dont do it.

100% agree NO way would I do it either! Unless owner signed some sort of waiver and even then I would strongly advise against it with my opinions and again advise against it but do what he asked.
That way when it goes to pot its on them period.