Clear Coating over Vinyl Graphics...?

[Roo]

I am going to repaint my hull this winter...again.

But I want to throw on a vinyl graphics kit that Exotic Signs offer.

I'd like to clear coat over it all for the best look possible, just wondering how it will hold up (the clear coat on top of the vinyl).

Wondering what other peoples experience is with this or any other kind of input.

Thanks!
Andrew

 

[SuperDrifter]

Frog juice is one way to protect the vinyl graphics from UV.

 

[Roo]

UV isnt the issue, I am thinking more of rubbing up on it, etc.

Also I would like to use clear with a lot of metalic flake in it for the 'ultimate' effect.

 

[QuickMick]

you can clear coat the vinyl graphics with no problem. However its much easier to replace them if damage happens, when there is no clear over them.

 

[Roo]

However its much easier to replace them if damage happens, when there is no clear over them.

This is true, but I was going to put many coats of clear to give that 'wet' look, and also want the metalic flake finish to look uniform across the 'ski.

I should just call and ask Exotic Signs if there Vinyl is ok to clear over, just have not had a chance to make the phone call yet.

 

[restosud]

don't do it.will not hold up well.

 

[Don 79 TA]

the other thing to remember with clear coat is if the surface isn't super clean you will risk bubbling, chipping, glazing effect in time

i have clear coated over some of the stickers on the trailer and have had them in water for a while too, looks good
have also done that bumper stickers too

also gives it a gloss effect, but in time have bubbled (all stickers and decals do in time)

for a kit like Exotic, i'd probably leave them alone

 

[Mike Serlin]

You can clear over vinyl. The metalic flake in the clear looks sick too. But make sure your last couple layers of clear don't have the flake in them or else you will be able to feel the flake when you rub your hand accross the ski

 

[Roo]

You can clear over vinyl. The metalic flake in the clear looks sick too. But make sure your last couple layers of clear don't have the flake in them or else you will be able to feel the flake when you rub your hand accross the ski

Yep, for sure :cheer:

 

[Motorheads5]

Be sure it's your last paint job becasuse having to repaint it after the clearcoat/vinyl/metalflake will be a mess to strip off next time. .02

 

[Moondance]

Be sure it's your last paint job becasuse having to repaint it after the clearcoat/vinyl/metalflake will be a mess to strip off next time. .02

Aircraft remover will take it right off.

 

[Motorheads5]

Aircraft remover will take it right off.

That's good to know will it soften or damage smc ?

 

[Moondance]

That's good to know will it soften or damage smc ?

Don't leave it on for any length of time & work quickly. It starts bubbling up the minute you put it on. I worked in small areas just because I wasn't sure when I first started how it would react. But I stripped the majority of my ski fairly quickly using it & it didn't do any damage. Just be sure to wear good chemical gloves. It is very harsh on skin.

 

[Motorheads5]

Don't leave it on for any length of time & work quickly. It starts bubbling up the minute you put it on. I worked in small areas just because I wasn't sure when I first started how it would react. But I stripped the majority of my ski fairly quickly using it & it didn't do any damage. Just be sure to wear good chemical gloves. It is very harsh on skin.

Thank's I have been nervous about trying it, I am doing a vintage 550 this winter and it is smc of course, but what a biotch to sand these ski's. If I could strip it that would be awesome .

 

[N3vrSat1sfied]

If you clear over the vinyl it will run really easy just do it very carefully

 

[Big Kahuna]

This is true, but I was going to put many coats of clear to give that 'wet' look, and also want the metalic flake finish to look uniform across the 'ski.

I should just call and ask Exotic Signs if there Vinyl is ok to clear over, just have not had a chance to make the phone call yet.

It works fine. No need to call. just be sure to apply the decals right before you spray the clear.

 

[Roo]

Anything to do to prep the vinyl so I know I am getting a good bond? Obviously sanding them is not a good idea...

 

[Big Kahuna]

just make sure that if you used water to apply the vinyl that it has all evaporated. If you stick them dry then you can paint right over them.