Framebuilders - Paint/Decal ?

I'm doing a paint restoration on a 94 GT Edge steel frame. Going back at it with Imron and I have a set of the original decals but they are die-cut vinyl. Since these decals are thicker than water transfer or the current thin type sticker decals will I have any issues when clearcoating? Solvent wise will the clear get under them and cause them to lift? Will I be ok with the clear if I just start with a thin layer and build gradually. Huge thanks in advance to anyone that has experience with this.

You should not have any issue spraying over the decals. I would start with some light tack coats to ensure there is no reaction to the imron. The only issue is that the decals will be raised under the clear and to latten you will need to snad the clear and recoat to bury the decals. If the raised edge is not a concern you will be fine. Another option is to have a vinyl mask made so you can paint the lettering on and then it will be very thin.


Allan
www.creativecycleworks.com

If the decals you have are cut vinyl, I would put them on over the clear.

The reason being, as you stated, the vinyl is much thicker than regular decals.
This is not good to have between color and clear.

If you do clear over the vinyl, it will be OK, until something bumps the frame at the decal.
Then the clear gets ripped as well as the vinyl, and then you have a "hole" in your clearcoat.
YUckY!

Oooor, you could spray color, clear over that, add decals, more clear, and as PaintIt said, you could then sand the decal bumps and clear again.

Weee ( or is it Wii?) doesn't that sound like FUN?

make it easy and effective, put the vinyl on over the clear. All done! Replace decals as needed.

and don't get me started on Spray Mask vinyl to do painted lettering. That's a whole different ballgame!

creativecycleworks, I see you were shut down by the hurricane, are you back yet