Clearcoat over new decals?
 

I recently purchased an '89 Bianchi Campione d'Italia, but hated the newer design that Bianchi used for their logos/decals, so I removed those decals.

I then ordered a new set of decals from cyclomondo on eBay, for $40.00. I applied these decals on the Bianchi and they look perfect. However, I want to protect my decal investment and prevent the decals from scratching off.

Is it possible to clearcoat over the new set of decals? I've also heard that some clearcoats will actually dissolve and destroy the decals itself. Is this true?

And are there any other solutions to protect the decals?

Edit: Any suggestions on what kind of clear coat to use?

Thanks!

cyclomondo's words "Old original waterslide transfers have been gaining a bad reputation amongst painters who are finding that the new clear-coats are not compatible with old style waterslide transfers with the result being that the older transfers are crinkling up when the final coat of clear is being applied. These decals do not suffer these problems. "

If you have any doubts at all, contact cyclomondo and ask for his advice before you do anything.

I just used Duplii Color acrylic enamel clearcoat over Greg Softly's decals with no problems. Use a 3M maroon or gray pad to scuff the paint first or your clearcoat may peel. It can be done without damaging the decals if you're careful.

http://inlinethumb22.webshots.com/15...600x600Q85.jpg


http://www.tcpglobal.com/autobodydep...temno=MMM+7447

No issues clearing over cyclomondo's decal sets. I've probably used 5 different sets with no problems whatsoever.
The type of clear you would use would depend upon your expected result; the best you're going to get from a spray can is this stuff:
http://www.sgcardetail.com/USC-36800...-Prodview.html
It's actually a Sikkens automotive 2-part clear in a spray can. You release the catalyst by pressing a button on the bottom of the can, breaking an internal seal, which mixes and activates the clearcoat. Excellent quality; sprays like a spray gun, clear can be polished to a mirror finish.

That is definitely a superior product. It would be nice if they told you how much you are getting for your money.

Wow thanks for the comments and suggestions folks!

I'm also wondering if it is OK to clearcoat just over the decals? When I got the bike, I loved the celeste, but hated the decals, so I just replaced the decals.

What I'm trying to say is, is it going to be slightly noticeable that I have a light coat of clearcoat over my decals?

Thanks again!

You mean like if you just sprayed over the decals and didn't spray any of the rest of the frame correct?

You could do that if you masked very carefully. Otherwise, you'll have overspray all over the frame and everything else. I'd mask about 1/16" away from the decals. You want to besure to seal the edges of the decals with the clearcoat. To do it right would mean stripping it down to the bare frame, cleaning it and scuffing it so the clearcoat doesn't peel and spraying the entire frame. Older bikes did not have clearcoated decals. Are you sure it's worth the trouble?

Slight hijack...

Has anyone tried decals from Velocals (JR) with the extra 1mil clear layer applied...without clearcoat sprayed over obviously...???

I'm thinking of going that route on my Pinarello...

-Mark in St. Louis

I asked myself the same thing after putting cyclomondo decals on my Super Course. The answer was "no" and over a year later I'm still very happy with how they look and have had no damage to the decals.

It was difficult to read but I beieve the can shows it to contain 325 g (0.7 lb) of material. If I recall correctly, that's about what a normal spray can contains.

What is interesting about that Shine Gear web site was they do not carry color coat (top coat) paints. They have primers and clear coats but no color coats. They have air brushes and sprayers but no color coats.

Hmm,... I wonder why???

I'm going to listen to you guys about not clearcoating over the decals.

The reason behind my original intent to clearcoat them was that during my first outing with this bike, I had already scratched a small piece of the decal on the seattube when I locked up the bike to a post. And this Bianchi, being my commuter/beater bike, will be subject to locking up frequently.

I think the consensus/recommendation was to clear coat the decals but to be careful about doing it. Clear coat only the decaled area.

Is the paint on the frame glossy or matte? I ask because it is possible to match the surface finish on the paint by judicious polishing of the clear coated area. You spray the glossy clear coat then, depending upon the finish you want, you polish with relatively rough or relatively fine grit. The rough stuff (600 grit) leaves a matte finish. Finer grits will result in a more polished look. If you want a truly glossy finish, don't polish it at all.

Clear coat helps but will not stop a bike lock from damaging the pain or decals.

Authenticity
 

If you want your frame to be authentic, or at least appear authentic, don't clearcoat over the decals. The best Italian makers didn't clearcoat their decals, at least not back when your bike was made. My Cinellis, Olmo, Pinarello, and Colnago all attest to that.