Decals under clear coat

[John Dol]

I was wondering if it is possible the paint the car, put on the decals, and then clear coat it?
This way the they should last for ever, but not sure if the clearcoat would eat up the decals.

Thanks,

John

[Papa]

I'm not a painter, but my dad was and I grew up around the industry. Since then, paints have evolved and are generally considered a system with all layers working to produce the final result. I'd not recommend applying decals between those layers. But if you really want to go that route, do some testing on some scrap metal to see how the decal reacts to your desired application. Look for wrinkling, color fastness, hardness of the finish over the decal when cured, etc.

[David_Ingermann]

As a certified painter I can tell you that applying clear over a vinyl decal will usually turn out just fine.
HOWEVER, I would strongly recommend testing it on scrap as 'papa' suggested to make sure the vinyl you've selected doesn't have any adverse effects from the clear. Also, on a side note, I would advise against applying vinyl decals immediately after painting as doing so can trap solvents in the paint and prevent them from evaporating. This is why many cars end up having severe paint issues under their stripes or other decals. I would recommend waiting a month or so ideally before applying vinyls.
process should go: paint, clear, wait, apply decals, adhesion promoter (optional), clear again (3 coats min), wetsand, buff. Be careful not to burn through when wet sanding, as damage to the decals or paint will require you to start over.
Hope this helps!

[wareaglescott]

Ceramic paint protection has really advanced the last couple years.
I would consider just having the decals applied on top of the paint like normal and getting a ceramic protectant such as opti coat pro applied over it. Was looking into a stripe kit for a new car I have on order and that was the recommendation I got when researching.

[mikeinatlanta]

See this done quite a bit in aviation. Yes, it can be done. No, I wouldn't do it. IMO: If you want these graphics to last for many years (which is why you would clear) have the graphics painted on and then cleared. Easy if you are talking stripes, doable for fine detail with an airbrush artist. If the graphics are too complex for airbrush, give up on the expected life and use a wrap.

EDIT: Keep in mind that all vinyls shrink over time due to loss of plasticizers. Of course it will depend on your exact vinyl, but this will not be a "forever" paint job.

[John Dol]

Thanks guys, appreciate the input!!

John

[JAE]

Hi John

If you have a local sign shop, they should be able to make you a stencil of what you want. Basically it is similar to regular vinyl, but much less sticky. Just put the stencil on after your base color has been applied and dry, peel back the area you want painted, paint that area, then remove the entire stencil and clear over everything. This works well and generally gives you nice sharp lines.

Thanks John