lacquer over decals

[slmracing]

I thought I would ask peoples opinion on this one, I have a diamond back accent frame that's been powder coated, the finish is excellent, but because I work in a body shop I was going to fit the decals and then lacquer the frame, obviously this stops the decals peeling off but makes it difficult to replace them due to damage plus my decal man has made 2 sets for some reason so I could easily change them if I don't re coat the frame. come on Guys what do you think

 

[chrisv40]

I would probably fit the decals and not bother with a clear coat but as you have access to a spray booth etc you might as well do it properly.

That frame is looking fantastic by the way Stu, can't wait to see it built up

 

[Unclejack]

+1 i wouldn,t / will not on the lobster but suspect as you can you will.

 

[slmracing]

what got me thinking about this was on a ride a few months back someone commented that you should not lacquer over decals as they did not do this from the factory, but these are not factory decals and are not cheap to reproduce so the frame is prepped, decals applied and it will be lacquered first thing in the morning, pics to follow

 

[marc two tone]

decals

i reckon this will help to put a strong conclusion to the 'under or over' question.
I know stu will do a industrial laquer job so, lets see how the decals stand up to uk weather. The paintwork is very nice on this frame. Looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[jimo746]

A pic of the results would be great, also where did the powdercoating for you?

 

[chrisv40]

Are you coming on the railway ride next Saturday Stuart? If so will the bike be ready?

 

[kaya]

Are you coming on the railway ride next Saturday Stuart? If so will the bike be ready?

Just what I was thinking

 

[gil_m]

I leave it up to my customers to decide

If they are large wrap around style decals like the Bonty ones I laminate these and suggest that they are mounted without any further protection

If they are small decals with small lettering I would suggest clear coating them or I can supply a clear laminate face

However whatever you do don't bake the frame to cure the clear coat once you have fitted the decals, they will expand slightly in the heat and then contract when they cool down, this causes the clear coat to "break" and the decals to then curl slightly

If you are going to clear coat them make sure it's an air dry method, either a two pack system or simple "rattle can" method

 

[marc two tone]

laquer

i've just seen the frame an hour ago. looks good. the laquer was spray booth K2 type. stu will elaborate more on it. yes, stu is coming to the railway ride

still muddy out there guys innit! but the rivers down here have dropped in a big way. weds/thurs it was red alert flood stuff, now the anglers are back out which, is a good sign

see you later.