Clearcoats. Can you...

[RyanGiorgio]

Can you spray a clearcoat over the decals have been put on? thanks.

[cph81]

Yes.
That's what clearcoat for: protect decal.

[ex-r]

Yes you can. I use automotive clears without any effect. Just gotta make sure the decals are fully dried before applying the clear.

[Jonno]

Some decals don't like clearcoat, but I haven't had any problems before.

[935k3]

Be careful to dust the clear on in very light coats at first to gradually build it up then go for wetter coats.

[integra818]

If I spray clearcoat over an enamel paint, won't the clear coat wrinkle?

[BWheel]

Make sure that the paint you're spraying over has cured properly before clear-cote gets sprayed on. You'd be looking at the paint having cured for a week anyway before you prep the body with T-Cut or whatever anyway.

Once you have put the decals on, you'll also want to leave it for at least a day for them to dry correctly, preferably longer.

Question: Do you guys use decal setting solution much, or just lay them on straight?

[Guido]

I always use decal solution. It make the decal "stick" better. But after you've used solutions, make sure you give it enough time to dry, you should clean the solution solvants away with a damp cloth. Otherwise enamel clear will give you trouble with fish-eye effects etc.

[hirofkd]

Originally posted by integra818
If I spray clearcoat over an enamel paint, won't the clear coat wrinkle?

Usually not. When layering two types of paint, always wait long enough for the underlying paint to dry, so that the remaining solvent won't affect the layer above. And when applying the 2nd paint, start with a few coats of mist, so that it won't dissolve the layer underneath it. As long as those principals are kept, you can almost always use any type of combination. Still, it's good to know that the strength of solvent

lacquer (unaffected by enamel or water)
enamel (unaffected by enamel)
water

As for clear coating decals, apply the spare decal, such as company logo on a scrap part, and test spray clear. That's the most certain way to avoid a mess-up.
I've used Tamiya spray, Dupli-Color and Gunze Mr. Color spray and Testor lacquer Gloss Coat and Gunze's waterless Top Coat spray cans on Tamiya, Hasegawa, Aoshima, Fujimi and Caltograf decals.

[gcheok]

Can clear coat be applied to clear plastic? Like window frames and tail lights.

[bvia]

Depends. Future (an acrylic floor "polish") is used by many to clearcoat clear plastics (windshields/tailights, etc), but some types of paints actually etch bare styrene plastic, which would craze the surface. Best to try ANY types of paint and combinations on scrap first. That way you're for sure and when folks like Hiro give you specifics, make sure to cut, paste and keep them handy!
hth,
Bill
:bandit:

[TheSyndicate]

Don't clearcoat clear plastic. It will fog it.

[gcheok]

hmmm....so how do I protect the decals on clear plastic?

[Jay!]

Originally posted by gcheok
hmmm....so how do I protect the decals on clear plastic?

Future would probably serve you well in that case...

[giordano]

another question: do i need to polish the paint make it even before spraying clear on it? or spray it with clear and then use polishing compound?