Clear Coating Over Vinyl Decals

[Buccaneer]

To Clear Coat or Not to Clear Coat is the Question.
I painted my Chris Craft Challenger with Reprotint
paint. Those directions say to clear coat the
decals whether water slide or vinyl.
I started out with water slide decals, but it turned
into a disaster as they would not release from
the backing. Then purchased a Vinyl set from Dixie.
Her instructions (and email) says NOT to clear coat
her vinyl decals, but admitted some of her customers
do.
Sounds like from what I’ve read, and what Dixie said,
some clear coats may attack the vinyl decals,
and there could be an issue with the clear coat
cracking due to expansion / contraction of the vinyl.

The clear coat I have is enamel based from Reprotint.
This outboard won’t be a 100% "Outboard Stand Queen",
as I hope to occasionally use it.

What’s your real life experiences with vinyl decals and
clear coat? ….. and vinyl decals without clear coat exposed
to the elements.
Thanks!

Prepare to be boarded!

[wiscoboater]

I can’t speak to Dixie’s decals as I have never used them, but the nymarine vinyl decals I have cleared over with enamel with no issues.

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

Had zero issues with vinyl decals, but did notice that when clear coating them you could easily see the "line" between the decal and the surface it was on. Not a big deal to me, as for water slide, you have to clear or they will go by by in a hurry. I guess in a nut shell if you think fuel will get to the decal then clear coat it, if it has little chance to get fuel on it leave it..

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[Buccaneer]

Thanks for the replies. I think I’ll try clear coating the decal on the transom
mount first, (where it’s less visible) and if that goes well, do the gas tank and rewind
decals.

Prepare to be boarded!

[PM T2]

Depends on whether or not you want to be able to refer to your work as a "restoration" or not.

Restorations do not include clear-coating over paint and/or decals.

Yeah I know, I’m just a damn troublemaker purist, but that is the truth…… do with it what you will…..

Best,
PM T2

He's livin' in his own private Idaho..... I hope to go out quietly in my sleep, like my grand-dad did..... and not screaming, like the passengers in his car...

[lindy46]

Not necessary to clear-coat over vinyl decals IMHO

[jpatti75]

Not being a purist, I have almost always clearcoated over vinyl decals with lacquer, enamel, and urethane clearcoats throughout the years … never had a problem, but I have never used Dixie’s decals either. To me, just adds another layer of protection from the elements. Maybe it’s overkill, maybe not, but I’ve done it many times and it works for me personally. Here’s the most recent cowling I did:

[Buccaneer]

After spending $100 on the paint and $30 plus on the decals,
I want protection as well. I clear coated the decal on the
transom mount this evening. If it’s still there tomorrow,
I’ll probably do the tank and rewind decals!
Thanks for you thoughts!

Prepare to be boarded!

[labrador-guy]

I have four classic motors that were painted by a near by auto body shop. We clear coated then applied the decals from Peter at north York Marine. Those vinyl decals are just the best you can buy. They will be on these motors a long time.

MHO dale

[oltimer]

quote labrador guy:

I have four classic motors that were painted by a near by auto body shop. We clear coated then applied the decals from Peter at north York Marine. Those vinyl decals are just the best you can buy. They will be on these motors a long time.

MHO dale

I have purchased Vinyl decals from Peter also, and he does recommend in your order to coat them "if your concerned" about gas elements getting on them.

[Author]

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