Question: Decals.

Im applying carbon fiber decals to the hood, doors, and trunk of my s13. The question is pretty dumb, specialy for me that im a noob, but do you apply the decals on the last coat of paint, then seal it with clear coat? or do i apply it when the car has the clear coat, then add another clear coat. I know its dumb, but bare with me ive only been modeling for like 2 months now.

Thanx:popcorn:

It depends what finish you want on the carbon.If you want it gloss then add it before the clearcoat and clearcoat over it.If you want the carbon decal left in it's natural finish as it came off the sheet apply it after the clearcoat.Be careful that the clearcoat doesn't harm the decal though as some can.

Thanx. I guess ill just take the safe way and apply the decals after the clear coat.

Thanx. I guess ill just take the safe way and apply the decals after the clear coat. I am NO expert on this, but I always thought that clear over CF is the way to go...

It depends. Some carbonfibre is real glossy, so you need a clearcoat over it. If you use acrylics and enamels clearcoats, and spray verry thin layers, you probably won't harm the decals. Laquers are a bigger risk. Alsways testspray on some leftover decal and use really thin coats.

It doesn't matter whether the CF is applied over a clearcoat or just the final layer of color. As long as the finish is glossy, the decals will behave the same.

As for clearcoating, it's a matter of personal taste. When CF parts are made, CF cloth is imbedded in a clear resin- this tends to give it a high shine. Clearcoating over the decals is a good way of simulating this. Personally, nearly all CF decals are too bright to my eye, and coating them with clear smoke improves them alot. As a rule (if you believe in such things) acrylic clear is safe over decals. Laquer is a different story- it can certainly be done, but only if it's done right. Lately I've learned to spray automotive clear over decals without alot of anxiety, and great results (hint: slowwwwwwwly). But TS-13 out of can would scare me. How confident are you in your abilities to clearcoat safely?

Maybe ill try some leftover decals on some seats and apply the clear coat over and see what happens. But yea i was gonna use an acrylic coat. Ill try it out. Thanx for the help.

It's best to have a clear coat OVER the decal (to protect it). It doesn't have to be GLOSS though as several manufactuers make semi-gloss and flat clear paints in all kinds of formula and bases.
hth,
Bill