clear coat question

Ok, I am currently working on the Porsche GT1 and I painted it the flat black because I have to paint in my apartment since its winter, and the flat black dries in like 5 minutes. My question is, should I apply a few coats of high gloss top coat BEFORE I start applying the decals, or to put the decals on the flat black, then top coat it. I am worried about the edges showing on the decals. all help is appreciated. thanks.

To my knowledge, decals like a nice glossy surface to stick to. You'd probably have problems getting them to adhere nicely to the flat black. Put the gloss coat on.

To my knowledge, decals like a nice glossy surface to stick to. You'd probably have problems getting them to adhere nicely to the flat black. Put the gloss coat on.


I agree, I learned the hard way and put decals on a flat paint job and they did not stay on

Besides not staying on, the edges will silver and it will look bad. You really need a glossy surface to apply them to.

The way to do it right is to paint it glossy black first, then put on decals, then spray on dull coat.

To my knowledge, decals like a nice glossy surface to stick to. You'd probably have problems getting them to adhere nicely to the flat black. Put the gloss coat on.
On the contrary, I have better luck applying decals to flat surfaces, especially flat black. They usually run off the glossy surfaces, and dont stick well for me.

On the contrary, I have better luck applying decals to flat surfaces, especially flat black. They usually run off the glossy surfaces, and dont stick well for me.


Thats odd, they are designed for a smooth shiny surface, a smooth shiny surface provides the needed cohesion for them to stick . Flat paints don't provide this. If you are having your decals slide off the car I suggest you are using way too much water or letting them soak so long that all that all the adhesive is gone.
I would have to agree that if you want decals on flat black , go gloss first and then use a matte clear coat over them

Thats odd, they are designed for a smooth shiny surface, a smooth shiny surface provides the needed cohesion for them to stick . Flat paints don't provide this. If you are having your decals slide off the car I suggest you are using way too much water or letting them soak so long that all that all the adhesive is gone.
I would have to agree that if you want decals on flat black , go gloss first and then use a matte clear coat over them
I usually leave them in the water until the whole thing comes off the paper, so it doesn't crumple.

whoa! - too much soak time. If they come off in the water dish, most of the adhesive comes off also. Just soak them until they slide off the paper backing.

I usually leave them in the water until the whole thing comes off the paper, so it doesn't crumple.
Ahh as I suspected. By that time most of the adhesive has come off, does the water look a little milky??I usually let them soak only long enough to slide around on the backing.
I slide it to one edge, carefully place that edge on the correct spot on the car and gently slide the paper away. You can also use a small soft brush to help move it around a bit.

No, it usually don't, but sometimes it does. Thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to use it.