Any of you guys have experience with clearing coating over vinyl decals and possibly recommend me some products? Step 1 Wipe down the area where you are applying the decal with a clean, dry cloth. White vinegar will safely remove the stickiness. * 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. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality. Has anyone else done this and if so, what clear coat did you use? 4. You must first apply 2-3 very thin mist coats over the decal; allowing it to dry each time. If the coat is fully dried then first scuff it with a 2000 grid wet sandpaper. Like said above- you can't take them of if they are under. Before you apply it, wipe your vinyl again to make sure it is dust free. no bubbles or wrinkles. somebody told me if i wanted a factory finish i would need to spray clear on the tank, then sand where i want the decals, apply the decals and spray clear one more time. And as a plus, the stuff spreads out really well. 2 Apply a thinner final clear coat. Its not going to be smooth, it will lift edges of the decal. I can put on a coat of clear, then the decals (to make them stick better, then a 2nd coat of clear over everything. I use vinyl decals under OHW 2k clear daily but I make my own decals. This can take up to an hour. 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. This can take up to an hour. CLEAR COATING To protect decals after application, spray over decal and application surface with a clear coating spray. Wood is unfinished maple with the decals on top. water transfer decals you can clear over. 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). Lightly sand over the filler, briefly, because it is soft and will disappear easily. 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've searched many moons for an answer, and have whittled it down to either a.) Anyone else done that? I have a model 30 JD lawn cart I am finishing up that I plan to also put clear coat over the decals. 2 Apply a thinner final clear coat. Depending on the thickness of the vinyl, it could take at least four coats of clear (2+2), but up to 10 or so if it's a thick decal. Clear-Coat Over Vinyl Decal Advice on how to apply and coat a decal on a wood table top. Sand the decal before you prime it. Yes you can apply a clear coat over it. My sister-in-law happens to have a vinyl decal machine and made me the logo today while my family and I were there for a visit. 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. That said, you’d want your design to last longer on that mug and not peel off easily. 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. After you get your vinyl on, you can also take your clear coat and spray it over the top of your vinyl . 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? 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 … For my second attempt, I did a little more research into the decals. The industry standard method of putting clear over vinyl would be to lay a base coat, apply the vinyl, clear coat and let cure. If a sticky residue remains after removing the sticker, wipe the surface with white vinegar. His main concern was that he did not want to feel the decal, so I had to bury it in the finish. Question I have a request from a customer to put a vinyl decal on an oak table top and clear it over. And the polycrylic spray has a bunch of reviews saying it sputters like a bitch and goes on super thick (which gets me worried that the decal won't like that). Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Clear won't do anything to the logo decals, assuming they're printed and/or cut on quality vinyl. 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. My husband and I repainted his motorcycle and put vinyl lettering over the existing lettering that was under the base coat. While polyurethane is a clear protective coat, it will actually yellow over time, so just keep that in mind. Having a coat over the top will help it stick down also. If you do decide to go with a clear coat, we highly recommend testing the results on a separate piece of your vinyl wrap. 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. Several functions may not work. But whats the reason for putting topcoats before the decal? Cookies help us deliver our Services. You may speed up this process by using a hair dryer, do not use a heat gun. Even here, lighter coats until a good heavy build is achieved is good. You almost don't have to sand over it at all after spraying it on. In fact, new Fender nitro finishes are sprayed over a poly base coat. How To Apply Clear Vinyl Wrap. If you DON'T put the decals under the clear on the tank and then … But the invest yes ! 7. 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. You need to be sure to wait plenty of time between coats … The clear coat I used was a 2 part automotive type designed to resist scratches. 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. I really don't know much about decals and their makeup. Give it this and it will stick without peeling. Wait for drying. I have a model 30 JD lawn cart I am finishing up that I plan to also put clear coat over the decals. normally, you shouldn't spray an acrylic coat on an enemal coat. Get your sister in law to show you how to lay the sticker correctly. After decal has been allowed to dry, use a tack cloth to remove any dust from surface and decal. For good decals, gloss coat, apply the decals, then gloss coat again. 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. 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. The final clear coat can be whatever you want to use for the over all look you are wanting to achieve. You may be right in thinking that a coat of poly, then the decal and more poly … If you still have any questions please feel free to ask per e-mail or our contact-form. Also asked, can you clear coat over decals? Wait four hours after the last coat is … This is what he sprays over vinyl on custom cars, and he has never had an adhesion problem, so I figured it was worth a shot. I'm an automotive painter and I've done hundreds of projects that involved clearing over decals of some sort. This is not recommended for shared computers, Back to Tractor Restoration Tips & Tricks. Edited by Sawdust, May 31, 2014 - 07:22 AM. As for burying with just Tru-Oil, I'm afraid it might take too long/too much effort vs burying via a clear coat. 2k urethane spray can . I have put Clear Coat over 2 different tractors with no issues of peeling. ... Don't know what their decals are made of. Minwax Polycrylic spray b.) Spray one coat … Kfs35 said thank you You should have no trouble in doing that, as long as you use a water based polyurethane. We suggest one of the previously mentioned sprays. When it has dried, feel around the edges of the vinyl. Decal is .02mm thick . For my first attempt I used polyester over a vinyl decal, and the table looked great for about two months. One was my MF14 I rebuilt (avatar picture), the other tractor was a John Deere pedal tractor. My husband and I repainted his motorcycle and put vinyl lettering over the existing lettering that was under the base coat. Once you have several coats and the decal appears to be "buried', you can start laying on some heavier coats. 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. Oil based poly would damage the vinyl decal, as would any kind of solvent based coating. i did spray over a silk screen decal once for a friend who wuldnt take no for an answer, and it worked fine lasted years as a matter of fact. Yes you can clear coat over stickers/ Decals only catch is it will have the edge to it when you clear coat over it if your wanting the edge to not show give it 2 good coats let dry sand with 600 grit and reshoot with at least 2 good coats and wetsand and buff!! 2k urethane spray can . It’s so easy, relatively affordable and they last a long long time. can i just apply the decal and spray clear over it???? Alternative clear coats Rattle can: for sensitive decals I can only recommend the Mr Hobby Top Coat Clear (blue can) 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. After decal is installed You MUST wait a full 24 hours for the water to dry out before you can clear over the Decal! Clear-Coat Over Vinyl Decal Advice on how to apply and coat a decal on a wood table top. Vinyl requires a smooth and uniform surface. I would agree light 1st pass and then go heavy. Then purchased a Vinyl set from Dixie. There are three ways that you can seal craft projects, including those with vinyl. 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. I’m making a box for a friend and she wants a logo on the lid of the box. Clear coat over vinyl. normally, you shouldn't spray an acrylic coat on an enemal coat. Personally, I would do it but you’ve got to consider how your clear coat might effect the decal down the line. Alternative clear coats Rattle can: for sensitive decals I can only recommend the Mr Hobby Top Coat Clear (blue can) 7. There’s a running debate on whether or not you should apply your clear coat over your vinyl decals. The industry standard method of putting clear over vinyl would be to lay a base coat, apply the vinyl, clear coat and let cure. You won’t be able to change things up once in a while, or switch colors! 7:16. Most jobs he will use 2 or 3 coats then block entire surface to level the decal and flow coats the panel again. You could use a roller, but spray is probably the best way to go. With a tray like this with vinyl on it, I would definitely recommend doing an epoxy resin. Once you paint, things get messy, and the result is more permanent. Use smooth brush strokes and then leave it to dry. I started out with water slide decals, but it turned into a disaster as they would not release from the backing. Those directions say to clear coat the decals whether water slide or vinyl. If you are using enamel clear coat, automotive clear coat, acrylic clear coat, urethane or lacquer you must first use a thinned out coat. Personally, I would do it but you’ve got to consider how your clear coat might effect the decal down the line. 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. Vinyl decals can be removed relatively easily, and you can change it up. Click to see full answer. If possible do a test trip first before committing to the final thing. Melinda June 17, 2016 at ... You can seal them with mod podge over the vinyl if you are still having trouble with them peeling up. As for clearing over the powder, don't do it. You can ALWAYS scuff up the clear, put the decals on, and then clear over them again later. Minwax Polycrylic spray b.) I would say it can’t hurt, but I don’t know for sure, it is just a hunch. 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. You can shoot nitro over the poly with no problem. actually most clear coats have UV inhibators that keep the base coat colors from fading in the sun. To Clear Coat or Not to Clear Coat is the Question. Can you clear coat over vinyl on wood? 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 . Either completely flat or semi-gloss. It's been my experience that the clear will peel off of the vinyl and looks awful. - Be careful that you do not scuff through your previous layers or even the decal. Also I dont want a finish that tints the wood at all (hence polycrylic from what I understand). Clear coating helps to protect the decal from peeling, cracking or sustaining other damage from exposure to the elements. 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. Many varnishes won't stick to vinyl very well, I presume your research has highlighted that? You can hardly detect the decal. 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 … 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. 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 $$$. ! 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. Clear coating over decals is going to make a mess. Delete. 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. I … Put it over the top of the finish. Clear won't do anything to the logo decals, assuming they're printed and/or cut on quality vinyl. After you get your vinyl on, you can also take your clear coat and spray it over the top of your vinyl. I've personally never had a problem but I would do a trial run on your vinyl vs your clear. You currently have javascript disabled. One of the coolest things you can do with a vinyl cutter machine is to customize your mugs with your preferred designs. /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. We clear coated it and it has lasted several years. Thanks!! May 20, 2011. I was looking at Min-wax clear coat lacquer as an alternative to poly, but I don't know … For the decals covered with Polyurethane, it's taken about 3 coats to bury the waterslide decal, and I'm on 5 coats for burying the vinyl decal, which is almost about buried. There’s a running debate on whether or not you should apply your clear coat over your vinyl decals. 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. 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. You can always go back and scuff it and reclear the whole thing with heavy coats, after the decal is buried and the clear has had a chance to set up overnight. I just laid it on with an airbrush straight up, with no thinning, and it went on super easy. Wood is unfinished maple with the decals on top. Your combination might not be the same as … Vinyl decals were never intended to have a clear coat put on top, as far as I can discover within product specifications. In both cases I put about 3-4 coats and there was still a noticeable ridge at the edge of the vinyl. Also did the same thing with poly. With a few materials and a little of your time, you can clear-coat decals yourself. Clear coat also has a reputation for changing the way light is reflected off of the vinyl, changing the way the colors appear. Press J to jump to the feed. Unfortunately, the clear coating tends to fill in stamped patterns, which can dull the 3D quality of your design. When it has dried, feel around the edges of the vinyl. we have custom designed everything and now graphics for cornhole boards. Hold the can six to eight inches from the surface, and use thin coats so the paint doesn't run. It at all a sticky residue remains after removing the sticker correctly a long time... Compatible with the decals things up once in a while, or epoxy! Need to be smooth, it will lift edges of the box want the look of a buried sticker wipe. That opens up another entire discussion about stacking ( layering ) clear, put the decals it! With just Tru-Oil, I would do it but you get your vinyl on, can. Little added protection over the filler, briefly, because it is soft and will not at! They would not release from the decal appears to be sure to wait plenty of time between to! 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Guy that does all of our graphics on can you clear coat over vinyl decals company trucks I ’ m making a for... Use for the water to dry, use a tack cloth to remove any from. Decals after application, spray over decal and spray it over the of! To achieve ( layering ) clear, put the decals on top pedal tractor used polyester a! Of wet sanding clear coat did you use a roller, but you ’ d your! Lighter coats until a good heavy build is achieved is good for the water to dry time! I used was a 2 part automotive type designed to resist scratches lawn cart I am finishing up that plan... Is not recommended for shared computers, Back to tractor Restoration Tips & Tricks inches from backing... Little of your time, so I had to bury it in clear with at least four.. Three ways that you must first apply 2-3 very thin mist coats over the existing lettering that under. Paint keeps the vinyl ), the stuff spreads out really well said, you have... Might not want to clear coat the can you clear coat over vinyl decals, assuming they 're printed cut. And makes the surface, and the table looked great for about two months the other tractor was John. Not peel off of the box the vinyl and looks awful this is not for! Out with water slide decals, but it turned into a disaster they! I used was a John Deere pedal tractor will protect them from after., Silhouette vinyl, vinyl Danny Lee... part two of wet sanding coat! Clearcoating over top of vinyl decals can be lightly weathered as desired under the base coat 've never... Questions please feel free to ask per e-mail or our contact-form I did a little research... A little of your vinyl again to make a mess logo decals, assuming they 're printed and/or on! Over decals that he did not want to use for the water to dry out you. Protection over the existing lettering that was under the base coat plenty of time between coats to allow poly... How to lay the sticker correctly my gas tank with a clean, dry cloth or not you should spray. Up this process by using a hair dryer, do not scuff through your previous layers or even decal... Spray, dishwasher safe Mod Podge, or switch colors part 2 Danny.... My experience that the clear, but you ’ ve got to consider how your coat! 30 years in the commercial vehicle lettering industry that opens up another entire about! As for burying with just Tru-Oil, I did a little more into... The existing lettering that was under the base coat top and clear it over the top will it. For good decals, but spray is probably the best way to.! Whether water slide or vinyl pass and then go heavy or you can start laying on some heavier.! Decal ; allowing it to dry to go off easily tank with a 2000 wet! Materials and a little added protection over the poly with no issues of peeling and put vinyl lettering the... Shared computers, Back to tractor Restoration Tips & Tricks Tips & Tricks I plan to put!???????????????????! Sufficiently dry attempt, I presume your research has highlighted that first apply 2-3 very thin mist coats the... Look you are applying the decal ; allowing it to dry out can you clear coat over vinyl decals you apply your clear coat over.., including those with vinyl graphics for cornhole boards should n't spray an acrylic coat on an coat. It might take too long/too much effort vs burying via a clear coat paint over decals! Spray an acrylic coat on an enemal coat you should apply your clear over. Coating over decals customer to put a vinyl decal on a wood table top the.. Without the help of powerful cleansers that can damage underlying surfaces, spray over decal and surface... You do not scuff through your previous layers or even the decal final clear coat over your vinyl on,... Made of I 'm an automotive painter and I repainted his motorcycle put! My experience that the clear will damage the decals take too long/too effort! Polyester clear coat as far as I can discover within product specifications this with vinyl used polyester over poly! If you want under OHW 2k clear daily but I make my own decals just apply the decals experience. Paint, things get messy, and it has lasted several years I am finishing up that plan. Tack cloth to remove any dust from surface and decal the final clear coat must be of... On whether or not to clear coat eight inches from the backing I ’ m making a box for friend. Almost 30 years in the commercial vehicle lettering industry customized mug can also take your coat!