Framebuilders - Clear coat over vinyl decals and new powdercoat?

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA
LVRider
03-27-10, 01:48 PM
I'm getting ready to strip my Fondriest MegaChrome Deda steel frame and get it to the powdercoaters. I managed to find original 90s vintage vinyl decals, made of the stuff like car window stickers are made out of. My question is; A buddy of mine paints motorcycles and offered to clearcoat my frame after I've applied the decals. Am I better off clearcoating over the vinyl decals, or just leaving them be? Also, is there a special type of clearcoat to be used over powdercoat, or will any type work? Thanks.

Nessism
03-27-10, 10:18 PM
Pretty common to clear over decals on powder coat. Two pack urethane would be good I think, and scuffing with scotchbrite would be a good idea before applying the decals and clearing.
Dr.Deltron
04-05-10, 11:08 AM
and scuffing with scotchbrite would be a good idea before applying the decals and clearing.

Actually, NO, it wouldn't.
If the PC is metallic or pearl, and you scuff it, you will F it up royally.

Just clean the frame with Wax & Grease Remover, add decals and spray clear. Good quality 2 part automotive clear, like PPG's 2042.

If the "decals" are 3 mil or less, clear over them. Thicker than that and you should apply them OVER the clear.

ZXiMan
04-05-10, 05:22 PM
I've seen alot of vinyl decals crack under clear coat over time. It is really best to get dry transfer type decals (same ones most manufacturers use).