Clear coating body decals

[THRobinson]

Just wondering if anyone had any long term experience with clearing over a full body decal?

I was looking to repaint a Washburn N2 and saw the black/silver paisley decal at THIS SITE and thought it would good with the fade-to-black edges.

My concern however is the long term. If the glue behind the decal dries out... will the front eventually crack and well, fall off. Seen some Tele's online that had that issue and worried it would be the same.

Small decals I'm sure are fine, but because this would be the entire front there isn't as much clear coat around the edges to keep it glued down.

Plan is to use automotive paints... black and clear. Paint the body with a few layers of black, wet sand it, apply the decal, few coats of clear then attempt the fade at the edges. The few coats of clear are a safety layer in case I need to sand off the first attempt, that way I don't kill the decal. Once happy with the fade, give the sides/back a few more black coats, then go to the clear. I have an eBook copy of "HOW TO Create A Factory Guitar Finish With
Just A Couple Of Spray Cans!", still reading, but will likely do what it recommends.

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Clear coating body decals

By automotive paints, do you mean nitro-cellulose?

In my opinion, it is worth contacting the manufacturer directly about the compatibility of their "skin" products with all popular paint and varnish types.

 

[THRobinson]

Re: Clear coating body decals

No... their website recommends against nitro paints, and does list automotive paints as being good, and paints designed for vinyl like 'frog juice' though not sure how well it'll buff for shine. Though nitro or lacquer or acrylic... not sure if matters if the glue on the vinyl backing dries and separates.

Watched a YouTube video, someone doing a bass guitar with a paper like layer and glued on with a thin epoxy layer that seems a good idea (maybe).

I contacted the makers, jut waiting for a response, though be good to get some first-hand experience from people not selling the product. Just in case.

 

[crusty philtrum]

Re: Clear coating body decals

Auto paints are usually Acrylic, which makes it ideal for superglue touch-ups and repairs down the track. Acrylic is great for guitars, and easy to work with ... Kramersteen will agree with me.

As with any finish over decals, the trick will probably be to spray two or three very light coats to begin with, and then begin building thickness.

 

[Taz Rules]

Re: Clear coating body decals

By automotive paints, do you mean nitro-cellulose?

Nitro is no longer used on cars. Not since the 70s. In fact, it's illegal to use it on cars now.


Automotive clears are generally urethanes now.


To the OP....
Beware...once catalyzed they are EXTREMELY toxic.
Full fresh air mask, and keep your eyes covered. The hardener will absorb through your tear ducts. This stuff is documented to cause nerve damage and even birth defects in your kids at high exposure.

That said, most durable coat you can have. And all the polishes on the market are designed to work with it. Urethane polishes to a mirror shine if done right.

Feel free to PM me if I can help further

 

[THRobinson]

Re: Clear coating body decals

I think my concern is being missed.

Not worried about what I use to finish... again, book is pretty thorough on various types of paints and how-to's.

Concern is, if the adhesive backing of the vinyl graphic dries/shrinks/expands... will it start coming off. Just worried it'll separate, maybe some air gets in where paint is thin around the pickup cavities, then one day you hit the front by accident and stuff starts breaking/flaking off. Google Fender paisley finish, lots of images of those where the stuff is coming off, and those are expertly finished guitars.

But ya, not worried about nitro vs acrylic vs lacquer, etc.... just 5yrs from now if my hard work will fall off.

Just info gathering... I'm 50/50 about doing this, vs that old school thing they do with cars and spraying through lace cloth. I think both effects are nice but upsides/downsides to both.

 

[Taz Rules]

Re: Clear coating body decals

Actually, I do understand your concern. Unfortunately I just can't give you an answer on it. Wish I could comma but I just don't have experience painting over decals.

The information I gave was to help you out once you do make a decision so that you have the proper information, and know what you're working with and what the hazards are if you decide to spray to clear yourself. I realize it's not what you were originally asking, but I still felt it was pretty important information for you to have.