clear coat question

[dwhite645]

Hi Everyone. I have a question on clear coating over decals. Is it a good or bad idea? I recently started a '96 Porche 911 GT1 LeMans racer from Tamiya, and it has large graphic style decals that cover the top and sides. I was thinking of clearing over it to A) prevent peeling years down the road and to give the decals the same shine/reflection as the painted surface.

I've never cleared over decals before, especially since I haven't done a car that's mostly covered with them. I'll be using testors clear. I'd be afraid of an adverse effect that the clear might have on decals, if any.

Thanks for the help!

[BIGTRUCK]

Darrel, if you look at my ''on the bench'' post , that modified mustang I'm doin has the decals cleared over. They are slixx and some cady decals , but they are thinner than kit decals and cleared with dupli-color .the few sponsor decals i used from a kit still lets the decal edge show , so trim it down close,,,I usually dont clear over anything but paint , but this time i did.........

[Guest zebm1]

I've cleared my model tanks, airplanes to set decals, then dullcoated them and they haven't yellowed, even since tha 70s, but yu want gloss, I'd suggest a lacquer, not an enamel clear.

[MrObsessive]

If I were you, I'd somehow test the decal to see if it won't have an adverse reaction to the clear! Maybe there are some small decals on the sheet you're not gonna use?

Not all decals react the same to like clearcoats..............even with the same manufacturer.

Failure to do so will have you cryin' in your beer!

[dwhite645]

Thanks for the help.

I think I'll try a test on one that won't be used, as you said ^, just to see how it reacts. I just wanted to see if others have done it and how the results were.

As someone else mentioned, I was concerned about yellowing, or maybe worse, like disintegration or melting.

I'll post pics shortly of progress in the "in progress" section towards the top.

[MrObsessive]

As someone else mentioned, I was concerned about yellowing, or maybe worse, like disintegration or melting.

Well, like Zeb had mentioned.........you definitely want to stay away from enamel clears! This will yellow big time!

Probably the "safest" clear you could use would be Tamiya's X-22 acrylic clear which is water based. You'd need an airbrush though to apply it. If you use this, make sure the decals have set for a couple days...............since the paint is water based, you wouldn't want the decals to lift or shift around.

Hope this helps! 8)

[dwhite645]

Well, like Zeb had mentioned.........you definitely want to stay away from enamel clears! This will yellow big time!

Probably the "safest" clear you could use would be Tamiya's X-22 acrylic clear which is water based. You'd need an airbrush though to apply it. If you use this, make sure the decals have set for a couple days...............since the paint is water based, you wouldn't want the decals to lift or shift around.

Hope this helps! 8)

Ok, good deal and thanks for the heads up.

Here's the progress topic I just posted:http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forum/viewtopi...6832e16e1#18280

[Modelmartin]

I clear over decals all the time and have done so for 25 years. I use automotive lacquers and have almost never had a problem with compatability. The Tamiya decals will be fine with lacquer as will any Cartograph printed decals, Cady Decals, Slixx. Some builders don't like the candy coated look and extra shine but I like it. It's a model car after all!

[monkeyclaw]

lots of good suggestions; I agree , that Laquer is the way to go...I do it all of the time; one tip i found works well; Try spraying the decal sheet itself; with a light coat of the "SEALER" in the testor decal maker set....it is a laquer base clear, and seems to keep the decals together really well; as well as provide a good etching base for the final clear coat......other than the decals themselves! Matt