Decals and Clear Coat

[cooperxs650]

Hello,
I'm finally getting ready to apply 2K Max Clear Coat to my rattle can paint job. I also plan on applying a couple of decals and wanted to get some advice first.
Do I simply apply the decal over the rattle can paint, then, apply the clear coat, or, would it be better to apply a coat or two of clear coat, then the decals, then more clear coat? The decals are vinyl and fairly thick so I expect there will be a ridge. If I spill some gas on them, without clear coat underneath, I wonder if the paint will fail at the edges or cracks might form.
Thanks
cooperxs650

 

[MaxPete]

 

[Boog]

Excellent question! When the time comes to repaint/powder coat the bike I have now, I would like a new Manufacturer's sticker with VIN. The original is so faded it only has a few leters and numbers here and there. I wonder if I can get a new one at all. Then like you, I would want to preserve it. I wait with baited breath for an answer...

 

[650Skull]

Doesn't specifically answer your question on decals on paint to do a clear first...........Good info.Post #2
http://www.xs650.com/threads/advice-on-tank-decals.30009/

 

[Johnnny13]

I just painted a helmet. I rattle canned it, spray painted a stencil, and then added a decal. I used 2K matte clear coat. I sprayed 2 coats of clear and it came out great.

 

[gggGary]

Story; resto all done, new pro paint. Color, decals clear, buffed and beautiful. Stopped for gas then Motel, parking lot was angled, hot, gas expanded, ran down, got under an edge buffing had exposed, lifted discolored the decal.

Man I was not happy! I bought the decal, painter refinished. Thicker layer of clear the second time....

All pretty again.

 

[Solomoriah]

Excellent question! When the time comes to repaint/powder coat the bike I have now, I would like a new Manufacturer's sticker with VIN. The original is so faded it only has a few leters and numbers here and there. I wonder if I can get a new one at all. Then like you, I would want to preserve it. I wait with baited breath for an answer...

Not a lawyer, etc., but as far as I know you can't replace a VIN sticker. Really smartest not to touch it at all.

 

[MaxPete]

Not a lawyer, etc., but as far as I know you can't replace a VIN sticker. Really smartest not to touch it at all.

Indeed. I’d be concerned that messing (or even improving the condition of) the VIN sticker might impair getting the bike re-registered should you ever sell it or get it appraised or if it were stolen.

 

[Boog]

Well crap, thanks for the insite guys, the darn decal is pretty much useless as is and when I get the frame podwercoated, I guess it will just get taped off.
At least the metal VIN stamp is prominent

 

[mrtwowheel]

Interesting topic.....starting a new thread.

Scott

 

[weekendrider]

Not a lawyer, etc., but as far as I know you can't replace a VIN sticker. Really smartest not to touch it at all.

This may be a state by state thing. In MO I've never had a problem with a vin stamped on the frame. While they may look at the sticker they compare the stamped number.