Bicycle Mechanics - Clearcoating question, please help!

I will be getting my 85 benotto frame back from the powdercoater. I bought the decals off ebay for what feels like a bajillion dollars (40 bucks). My question is this: what type of rattlecan clearcoat should I use over my decals? Anyone have any experience clearcoating with rattlecans over decals and a powdercoat? I've been looking at Rustoleum's clear coat but i cant find any info about using it on a powdercoat or what it could do to decals. Any feedback would be great, thanks!

I would ask the powdercoaters; odds are good they have some experience with clearcoating their finished product.

As for the decals, I have used both polyurethane and exopy-based enamel with good results.

Having no recent rattle can experience, I can't offer much there...

But if you have a way to spray quality automotive clear...

Start by cleaning the frame thoroughly with wax & grease remover. DO NOT sand or scuff!

Apply decals.

Spray 2-3 coats of PPG 2042 clear and let it set for a week.

Now it should be hard enough to polish easily.

Wax it, build it, ride it, ENJOY! :D

Rattle cans only huhn? Weeell...

If the powdercoat is metallic or pearl color, your best bet is the automotive clear route.

If it's a solid color, you can carefully scuff the surface with fine Scothbrite pads.
I would then spray a coat or 2 of the rattle-can clear and let it sit for the 72 hours listed on the can.

Scuff again lightly and then apply decals.

Clear the whole thing with 3-4 coats to seal in the decals. That'll also give you enough film build to polish later. And I would wait at least a month before trying to polish. If you try to polish too soon, you'll likely just make it worse.

Can powdercoat be layered on top of fresh powdercoat?
You should check with your coater, since clear powdercoat exists.

Hey thanks to both of you!

How would you recommend polishing it? Is there a specific type of polishing agent? or just get an soft towel and buff away?

Also, this is the powdercoat color I'm having done, i think its a metallic:

http://www.cardinalpaint.com/products/productcat.php?pcid=2&cctid=12


T353-YL02
Brass 30% Gloss* (http://www.cardinalpaint.com/uploads/colorcharts/pdfs/YL02-T353%20TDS.pdf)http://www.cardinalpaint.com/a_img/1.gif
If rattle canning it would be a bad idea based on this type of powder, what could I use to clear coat it? What brands are recommended and how would I apply it? Thank you so much for your help. Sorry I'm such a noob at this.

You can't clearcoat with a powder clearcoat if you have decals... because it has to go right back into the oven =o

You can't clearcoat with a powder clearcoat if you have decals... because it has to go right back into the oven =o

TRUE, unless you have powdercoat compatible decals. ;)

Check with Gary at www.sssink.com to see if he has what you're looking for.

Otherwise.....have the clear powdercoat done over the powdercoat color theeeen,

Scuff, clean, apply decals, rattle-can clear.