clear coat question

[SniperX13]

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.

[malsheem]

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.

[dag65]

Originally Posted by malsheem

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

[willimo]

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

[p9o1r1sche]

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

[86_SR5]

Originally Posted by malsheem

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.

[dag65]

Originally Posted by 86_SR5

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

[86_SR5]

Originally Posted by dag65

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.

[p9o1r1sche]

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.

[dag65]

Originally Posted by 86_SR5

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.

[86_SR5]

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