Clear or not to clear over graphics?

[Ron Zaker Jr]

With the advancement of todays graphics, are you guys still clearing over them or applyling them last? thanks.

 

[Bradley Maglinger]

Clear over

 

[Grimracer]

clear over..

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

OK THX

 

[Mike Cathey]

Otherwise the nitro will lift them

 

[Hydro Junkie]

Some inks are not solvent or fuel proof so not clearing over them could cost you the funds needed to buy a replacement set as well

 

[P THOMAS]

Use clear to protect the printed graphics, even cleaning spray will remove the ink unless protectected.

 

[Wesleys Custom Graphics]

You can request to have them laminated which will protect the ink but makes them thicker. Also, the nitro will still creep under the edges with time. Gas boats, not so much. I've even found that nitro and wd40 will migrate thru epoxy glass and lift a wrap after a couple of years. Polyester resin glass seems to be ok though. Clearing over is always preferable.

 

[Bert Dygert]

Ron,

Use a High Quality Automotive Clear coat. Mist the graphics lightly and let tack up. Then apply a medium coat of clear. Let tack up. Them apply the final gloss coat.

 

[Ron Zaker Jr]

Thanks Iused to clear all graphics on my other Scale boats. I was just making sure of current procedure. Thanks .

 

[Ken Hildreth]

Wes has a film that you can apply. ugh I dont know how it works, I was there, and the newest graphics he can put a coating on it that is lighter than the clear coat will be. ugh look who i am telling this to. Clear coat 6 or 7 coats Be generous!!!!! sand each coat until you cannot feel the graphics.

 

[Ken Hildreth]

I thought we got 4 years on the U-7 black boat that I cannot remember the name of. but it did start peeling up around the turban area where fuel and oil would set

 

[Rc painter]

6 or 7 coats??? no way.... lol

 

[Hydro Junkie]

6 or 7 coats??? no way.... lol

Depends on the decals. IF you don't want to be able to feel or see the edges of the decals through the clear, it could take that much. Most won't put on more than two or three since more than that is just added weight and, when you're dealing with a competition boat, every gram counts

 

[Wesleys Custom Graphics]

I thought we got 4 years on the U-7 black boat that I cannot remember the name of. but it did start peeling up around the turban area where fuel and oil would set

Yes he did. I assume you are talking about the valcon. It lasted longer because he cleaned it religiously after each weekend.

 

[Rc painter]

i use high dollar standox premium clears,two coats and you do not feel decals

 

[Hydro Junkie]

i use high dollar standox premium clears,two coats and you do not feel decals

Do you use fairly heavy or light, misted coats? I know different people have different ways they like to do things so.....

 

[Rc painter]

booth temperature is very important,in the booth i use it is at 82 degrees i spray 1 medium wet coat,flash for 15 minutes,1 heavy wet coat

 

[Rc painter]

sprayed with hvlp sata 4000 paint gun