Clear-Coat Over Vinyl Decal Advice on how to apply and coat a decal on a wood table top. The clearcoat paint keeps the vinyl from peeling and makes the surface easier to keep clean. 6. I have sprayed lacquer over vinyl lettering for a sign and had no issues placing the vinyl directly on the stained wood, then spraying over the top. Sand the decal before you prime it. After decal has been allowed to dry, use a tack cloth to remove any dust from surface and decal. You can ALWAYS scuff up the clear, put the decals on, and then clear over them again later. If a sticky residue remains after removing the sticker, wipe the surface with white vinegar. Vinyl should stick decently to unfinished wood, but if you sand and coat it with either paint or a clear coat, it will adhere much easier. Scuff the clear with 400 and wipe clean with grease and wax remover, lay the decals and use a scuff pad to lightly scuff the decal. I was looking at Min-wax clear coat lacquer as an alternative to poly, but I don't know if that would work well for what I … Alternative clear coats Rattle can: for sensitive decals I can only recommend the Mr Hobby Top Coat Clear (blue can) If there is any moisture present when you apply your clear coat you risk damaging the decal. Clear coat also has a reputation for changing the way light is reflected off of the vinyl, changing the way the colors appear. One was my MF14 I rebuilt (avatar picture), the other tractor was a John Deere pedal tractor. There’s a running debate on whether or not you should apply your clear coat over your vinyl decals. I dont have access to a spray rig (and I understand that you shouldn't brush on clear over a decal) so spray can it is. That said, you’d want your design to last longer on that mug and not peel off easily. Yes you can apply a clear coat over it. I have put Clear Coat over 2 different tractors with no issues of peeling. Press J to jump to the feed. For my second attempt, I did a little more research into the decals. I'm sure you guys can clear up (get it..) any misconceptions I … My husband and I repainted his motorcycle and put vinyl lettering over the existing lettering that was under the base coat. But the invest yes ! Vinyl decal clear-coat testing. I may try it on a "spare" decal before doing the ones for the Ride-a-matic. For my first attempt I used polyester over a vinyl decal, and the table looked great for about two months. You don’t […] If you are ordering a wall decal, it should be a matte finish and the adhesive is not super strong (to allow you to take it off without wrecking your painted walls). I can put on a coat of clear, then the decals (to make them stick better, then a 2nd coat of clear over everything. He suggested using an automotive clear coat (urethane) over the decal. If I were you, I would spray a coat of clear, then, put the decals, and after the decals are really dry (around 3-4 days), I would spray another coat of clear so as the finish is plain and quite brillant. After decal is installed You MUST wait a full 24 hours for the water to dry out before you can clear over the Decal! Once you paint, things get messy, and the result is more permanent. White vinegar will safely remove the stickiness. This may result in a less shiny surface, but by using a rubbing compound you can easilly polish the final coat to what ever level of shine you prefer. One to experiment on, to see what happens to it when you varnish it (on something else than your chair, obviously), and the second one to finish you chair with. Yes you can put clear on tape stripes and decals, I've done it several times for customers that didn't want to spend the extra $$$. There’s a running debate on whether or not you should apply your clear coat over your vinyl decals. You must first apply 2-3 very thin mist coats over the decal; allowing it to dry each time. Vinyl is fine to put under the clear. Those directions say to clear coat the decals whether water slide or vinyl. I had a gas tank with a clear coated decal once. For good decals, gloss coat, apply the decals, then gloss coat again. Having a coat over the top will help it stick down also. I painted my Chris Craft Challenger with Reprotint paint. Clear coating over decals is going to make a mess. You currently have javascript disabled. You need to be sure to wait plenty of time between coats … Put it over the top of the finish. When it has dried, feel around the edges of the vinyl. You method is spot on, but it will take 6-10 coats of nitro, depending on how you thin it and wet-sand it, to bury the decal under the lacquer with no … /r/woodworking is your home on reddit for furniture, toys, tools, wood, glue, and anything else that has to do with woodworking as a hobby or profession. Step 1 Wipe down the area where you are applying the decal with a clean, dry cloth. He needs to try out this Future floor stuff! Personally, I would do it but you’ve got to consider how your clear coat might effect the decal down the line. I just laid it on with an airbrush straight up, with no thinning, and it went on super easy. normally, you shouldn't spray an acrylic coat on an enemal coat. I assume based on my experience that the decals will last as long as they are supposed to, or longer, because of having a coat of clear paint or lacquer applied over them. 4. In both cases I put about 3-4 coats and there was still a noticeable ridge at the edge of the vinyl. i wanna clear coat over my decals on my gas tank. Those are a spray sealer like polyurethane polyacrylic spray, dishwasher safe Mod Podge, or an epoxy. What you can consider is this: Assuming that the decal is not that expensive (I don’t know if they are or not) you can maybe order two. no bubbles or wrinkles. Also I dont want a finish that tints the wood at all (hence polycrylic from what I understand) Any of you guys have experience with clearing coating over vinyl decals and possibly recommend me some products? 7. We clear coated it and it has lasted several years. I would agree light 1st pass and then go heavy. Sticker adhesives are often too powerful to remove without the help of powerful cleansers that can damage underlying surfaces. Any of you guys have experience with clearing coating over vinyl decals and possibly recommend me some products? I have done this to several corn hole boards that I have finished for people and always had great results over vinyl decals. Please submit links to how-to pages and videos, pictures of beautiful and amazing pieces you made for us to admire, or help you finish. How To Apply Clear Vinyl Wrap. Like said above- you can't take them of if they are under. If you can still feel the edges, apply another coat … Minwax Polycrylic spray b.) If you DON'T put the decals under the clear on the tank and then … Click to see full answer. Many varnishes won't stick to vinyl very well, I presume your research has highlighted that? Clear-Coat Over Vinyl Decal Advice on how to apply and coat a decal on a wood table top. 7:16. Yes you can apply a clear coat over it. Graphics that we have either cut from solid opaque vinyl or digital prints can be coated over with no problem. There are three ways that you can seal craft projects, including those with vinyl. If you still have any questions please feel free to ask per e-mail or our contact-form. Give it this and it will stick without peeling. Unfortunately, the clear coating tends to fill in stamped patterns, which can dull the 3D quality of your design. While polyurethane is a clear protective coat, it will actually yellow over time, so just keep that in mind. no bubbles or wrinkles. I was looking at Min-wax clear coat lacquer as an alternative to poly, but I don't know … Personally, I would do it but you’ve got to consider how your clear coat might effect the decal down the line. The decal is a thin chrome colored vinyl, so I also don't know it is best to sandwich the decal between layers of poly, or apply the decal directly to the wood, then clear coat. Part 2 Danny Lee ... Part two of wet sanding clear coat with decals - Duration ... Alan Spence 7,357 views. Like you said, he doesn't recommend using clear coat over decals due to conflicting compatability issues. For my second attempt, I did a little more research into the decals. But the invest yes ! I've personally never had a problem but I would do a trial run on your vinyl vs your clear. You won’t be able to change things up once in a while, or switch colors! His main concern was that he did not want to feel the decal, so I had to bury it in the finish. After you have sealed the decal with thin coats you may apply a heavier coat if you want. Also did the same thing with poly. Can you clear coat over vinyl on wood? If I were you, I would spray a coat of clear, then, put the decals, and after the decals are really dry (around 3-4 days), I would spray another coat of clear so as the finish is plain and quite brillant. From the original questioner: These decals are vinyl and I'm guessing they are the same type used on signs and that sort of thing. I dont have access to a spray rig (and I understand that you shouldn't brush on clear over a decal) so spray can it is. Most jobs he will use 2 or 3 coats then block entire surface to level the decal and flow coats the panel again. We suggest one of the previously mentioned sprays. Clear Coating Vinyl – Clear coat must be compatible with vinyl graphics. Then the polyester clear coat started pulling away from the decal. The clear coat I used was a 2 part automotive type designed to resist scratches. water transfer decals you can clear over. Basics, Beginners, Blanks, Decals, How to, Silhouette CAMEO Fundamentals, Silhouette Vinyl, Vinyl. Carefully brush the polyurethane over the vinyl. The final clear coat can be whatever you want to use for the over all look you are wanting to achieve. Several functions may not work. My husband and I repainted his motorcycle and put vinyl lettering over the existing lettering that was under the base coat. With a tray like this with vinyl on it, I would definitely recommend doing an epoxy resin. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality. It is water based and will not yellow at all. 5. CLEAR COATING To protect decals after application, spray over decal and application surface with a clear coating spray. Its not going to be smooth, it will lift edges of the decal. When it has dried, feel around the edges of the vinyl. Or you can use a spray poly clear coat. I have a model 30 JD lawn cart I am finishing up that I plan to also put clear coat over the decals. After you get your vinyl on, you can also take your clear coat and spray it over the top of your vinyl. Another option is to saturate the sticker with rubbing alcohol before gently scraping it off the surface with the dull side of a butter knife. If you need to paint, but are unable to remove existing decals from the surface you are working on, paint over the stickers, using the proper techniques. Anyone else done that? I've searched many moons for an answer, and have whittled it down to either a.) You could use a roller, but spray is probably the best way to go. This is not recommended for shared computers, Back to Tractor Restoration Tips & Tricks. Spray two to three coats of clearcoat paint over the area that has been scuffed, including the vinyl graphics, waiting five minutes between each coat. I'm sure you guys can clear up (get it..) any misconceptions I have. ! As for burying with just Tru-Oil, I'm afraid it might take too long/too much effort vs burying via a clear coat. This may result in a less shiny surface, but by using a rubbing compound you can easilly polish the final coat to what ever level of shine you prefer. I have sprayed lacquer over vinyl lettering for a sign and had no issues placing the vinyl directly on the stained wood, then spraying over the top. Get your sister in law to show you how to lay the sticker correctly. It could be difficult to build up enough thickness to "cover up" the vinyl to the point where you don't notice a bump where the vinyl starts. Vinyl decals can be removed relatively easily, and you can change it up. Personaly I don't recomend it on something as valuable as one of these cars that we spend so much time and effort in building because of the fact that eveybody is a critic. Also I dont want a finish that tints the wood at all (hence polycrylic from what I understand). 2 Apply a thinner final clear coat. The main problem is that if you clear coat powder over the decals then the high temp usually damages the decals. Wood is unfinished maple with the decals on top. Alternative clear coats Rattle can: for sensitive decals I can only recommend the Mr Hobby Top Coat Clear (blue can) The decal is a thin chrome colored vinyl, so I also don't know it is best to sandwich the decal between layers of poly, or apply the decal directly to the wood, then clear coat. Use smooth brush strokes and then leave it to dry. Once you have several coats and the decal appears to be "buried', you can start laying on some heavier coats. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. I started out with water slide decals, but it turned into a disaster as they would not release from the backing. 2 Apply a thinner final clear coat. Question I have a request from a customer to put a vinyl decal on an oak table top and clear it over. Wait for drying. I'm an automotive painter and I've done hundreds of projects that involved clearing over decals of some sort. You can hardly detect the decal. Wait for drying. i was worries about 1 the paint solvents lifting the sticker and 2 adhesion issues because i couldnt sand to put a etch on the sticker without ruining it. Edited by Sawdust, May 31, 2014 - 07:22 AM. Lightly sand over the filler, briefly, because it is soft and will disappear easily. - You can spray your object again without problems. I talked to the guy that does all of our graphics on our company trucks. If you are using enamel clear coat, automotive clear coat, acrylic clear coat, urethane or lacquer you must first use a thinned out coat. thanks this is reassuring. You almost don't have to sand over it at all after spraying it on. normally, you shouldn't spray an acrylic coat on an enemal coat. Yes you can put clear on tape stripes and decals, I've done it several times for customers that didn't want to spend the extra $$$. With a few materials and a little of your time, you can clear-coat decals yourself. Apply 2 light tack coats of Automotive Urethane clear … Even here, lighter coats until a good heavy build is achieved is good. As for clearing over the powder, don't do it. Use smooth brush strokes and then leave it to dry. Wet sand the clear with 1000 grit very carefully to remove the orange peel and knock down the edge of the decal line in the clear. You should have no trouble in doing that, as long as you use a water based polyurethane. Carefully brush the polyurethane over the vinyl. Decal is .02mm thick . Delete. Before you apply it, wipe your vinyl again to make sure it is dust free. We clear coated it and it has lasted several years. Decal is .02mm thick . Bury it in clear with at least four coats. The industry standard method of putting clear over vinyl would be to lay a base coat, apply the vinyl, clear coat and let cure. Vinyl decals were never intended to have a clear coat put on top, as far as I can discover within product specifications. Depends on how long you want the decal to stay on the car.Over the clear coat allows the decal to be replaced without damaging the paint.Under the clear coat and the sticker will expand and shrink causing cracks in the clear coat that can only be fixed by repainting. Personaly I don't recomend it on something as valuable as one of these cars that we spend so much time and effort in building because of the fact that eveybody is a critic. I'm wondering if the clear will damage the decals? May 20, 2011. Wait four hours after the last coat is … You need to be sure to wait plenty of time between coats to allow the poly to sufficiently dry. - Be careful that you do not scuff through your previous layers or even the decal. * NEVER apply decals or wraps to a surface that is not totally dry or cured or you risk peel up and damage to the decal or wrap. I would put a couple coats of high build sealer on the wood, apply the decal, then apply 2 coats of minwax polycrylic, and you can buy it at lowes in a rattle can as well. I've clear coated over the decals on my rough rider a couple of years back and had no probs at all you do need to apply more coats though as the clear coat needs to be the same depth as the decals that may sound a lot but if you where to clear coat before the decals you might only go 3 coats . I’m making a box for a friend and she wants a logo on the lid of the box. Clear over vinyl is okay. Was under the impression that that oil based lacquer can damage vinyl decals, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the woodworking community. That opens up another entire discussion about stacking (layering) clear, but you get the point. Thanks!! Vinyl requires a smooth and uniform surface. 7. I really don't know much about decals and their makeup. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Clear coat over vinyl. The decals will be painted in place and I'll have a glossy finish with a little added protection over the paint. 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Suggested using an automotive clear coat over my decals on my gas tank with a clear coat put on.! Decals once I get them on very well, I would do it you... Asked, can you clear coat I used was a 2 part automotive type designed to resist.... That does all of our graphics on our company trucks this is not recommended for shared computers, Back tractor! In the commercial vehicle lettering industry, wipe your vinyl again to make sure it is water based will... Ve got to consider how your clear coat must be aware of is the cheep calendered.. From peeling and makes the surface easier to keep clean an oak table top there ’ s so easy relatively... Do a test trip first before committing to the guy that does all of our graphics on company! Fact, new Fender nitro finishes are sprayed over a poly base coat question I a... In both cases I put about 3-4 coats and there was still a noticeable ridge the... Your research has highlighted that paint over the powder, do n't know much decals... With at least four coats by using our Services or clicking I agree, agree... Stick down also repainted his motorcycle and put vinyl lettering over the lettering! Is compatible with the decals the help of powerful cleansers that can damage underlying surfaces use smooth strokes... That I have done this and if so, what clear coat over the poly with no problem they a..., 2014 - 07:22 am need to be smooth, it will lift edges of finish...????????????????????.