Decal or Clearcoat first on TIPM cover?

[kad]

Question for the hivemind: I'm in the process of painting a number of things in the engine compartment on my truck and I'm planning on putting a vinyl decal/sticker on the TIPM/Fuse Box cover. The paint is currently curing (Krylon Fusion has a 7 day cure time) but it occurred to me to wonder if I should clearcoat it first then put the decal on or put the decal on first and clearcoat over top of it. I was planning on clearcoating first but I'm new to using clearcoat.

-K

 

[kad]

Wow, 60 views and not so much as an opinion...

 

[Gordinho80]

Not a professional nor have I ever done this... but I would think clear first. Think about this, most times, decals are placed on top of already clearcoated parts.

Closest thing I did to this was painting my motorcycle. I did a two tone paint job with a vinyl pinstripe between the colors and I applied clearcoat after. Again, no professional here, and if you look at the bike now, you'll clearly see that. LOL. The clear is crackling all around right now. The striping started to come up a little on its edge. I can't say this is because of me applying clear on top, but it is what happened.

 

[McBroom]

Wow, 60 views and not so much as an opinion...

The clear and the decal material could have adverse effects. I think I would clear coat, decal and clear again. Between the the first clear and the decal I would probably light sand 800-1200 grit or scotch brite the clear then put the decal on then the top clear coats scuffing the second coat slightly then coats 3-5.
Thinking of good adhesion between the coats and final product. I have similar plans for doing the same thing to the engine cover on my 6.4 but I’m never satisfied with how clean is clean when it comes to rattle can paint. I don’t have a booth.


I Love My 2018 RAM 2500HD 4x4 6.4L. USMC (ret)

 

[stimpy433]

Don't clear coat over the decal, it will react and the decal will start to lift.

 

[Tray Burge]

Some decals you can clear coat over without any issues, some you can't.

 

[ramportin1]

Definitely clear first. Regardless of effect, clear coat lasts longer then sticker adhesive

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[ramportin1]

Wow, 60 views and not so much as an opinion...

Would you rather people that have zero clue what they are talking about make **** up and give you bad advice? Sheeeez

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[kad]

Would you rather people that have zero clue what they are talking about make **** up and give you bad advice? Sheeeez

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Nope, just unusual for here.

-K

 

[whetrick1]

Nope, just unusual for here.

-K

Or just do it like I did. Looks good and it's been on for 2 yrs now.


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[kad]

Or just do it like I did. Looks good and it's been on for 2 yrs now.

That does indeed look good. I'll be using that method when I do the engine cover, but the decal is for the TIPM cover.

-K

 

[whetrick1]

That does indeed look good. I'll be using that method when I do the engine cover, but the decal is for the TIPM cover.

-K

Done the same way. If it's a vinyl decal don't put clear coat over it. The clear coat will bubble up all over it. And thanks


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