Question about Lacquering over decals....
Discussion
Usually I’d say get the clear on quickly (within a couple of hours of applying the base coat), you need to ensure that the base coat as released it’s solvents so they won’t try to come through the clear, but by getting it on before the base coat is completely dry allows the clear coat to bond much better, so it’s a balancing act really and very dependent on ambient temperature.
Normally the clear goes straight on the base coat with no more actions required, no cleaning, sanding, tacking etc just leave it to dry awhile then shoot the clear.
But applying stickers adds an extra process so the base coat needs to be much drier than normal, to avoid damage, what I’ve done in the past to spray a test piece at the same time as the main panels, leave this with the panels and after a couple of hours start checking it firstly by touch once it’s touch dry and doesn’t leave marks then test it by sticking some tape on and trying to remove it, as soon as you can work on the test panel without damage occurring then you should be able to safely apply the graphics then shoot the clear, I’d try to get the clear on the base coat in the same day to ensure the best adhesion and avoid the clear lifting and peeling at a later date, but obviously all this is temp dependent which is why the test piece is so important in letting you know the best time to start applying the stickers. Also make sure you don’t leave any grease, dirt or marks on the surface or these will be visible through the clear coat, hope this helps and good luck.
Normally the clear goes straight on the base coat with no more actions required, no cleaning, sanding, tacking etc just leave it to dry awhile then shoot the clear.
But applying stickers adds an extra process so the base coat needs to be much drier than normal, to avoid damage, what I’ve done in the past to spray a test piece at the same time as the main panels, leave this with the panels and after a couple of hours start checking it firstly by touch once it’s touch dry and doesn’t leave marks then test it by sticking some tape on and trying to remove it, as soon as you can work on the test panel without damage occurring then you should be able to safely apply the graphics then shoot the clear, I’d try to get the clear on the base coat in the same day to ensure the best adhesion and avoid the clear lifting and peeling at a later date, but obviously all this is temp dependent which is why the test piece is so important in letting you know the best time to start applying the stickers. Also make sure you don’t leave any grease, dirt or marks on the surface or these will be visible through the clear coat, hope this helps and good luck.
Easiest way of doing it is to apply the final coat of base very dry, this will then give the lacquer a good grip irrespective of how long after you intend to apply the lacquer.
Just be sure to really thoroughly tak the base off before putting the clear on & adjust your spraying speed over the decals as you'll need more coverage on the base than the decals if you are working to a gun finish because you will have to apply the clear heavier over dry base than the smooth decals.
Done many, many times with no issues.
Good luck, Al.
Just be sure to really thoroughly tak the base off before putting the clear on & adjust your spraying speed over the decals as you'll need more coverage on the base than the decals if you are working to a gun finish because you will have to apply the clear heavier over dry base than the smooth decals.
Done many, many times with no issues.
Good luck, Al.
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