Decal application question

[mike w]

I'm getting ready to paint my motorcycle this winter and I have a couple of questions.

I plan to use decals on my gas tank, but I'm unsure about what type to use and how to go about painting over them. Will any type of decal work or is there a specific type that I should use?

Also I'm wondering whether I should put the decal on the base coat and then apply the clear coat or should I apply a couple of coats of clear first then put the decal on and then clear over that?

 

[Brian Dee]

if the decals are from the manufactuer, there should not be any problems with applying them to your bike. Shoot your base coat first ,then a couple coats of clear. Sand this,then apply your decals. Now apply your final coats of clear. Just go easy and make sure you get the edges of the decals sealed, This may take 3 light dust coats. Then carry on. But initally just go easy and don't pound the clear on. Doing it this way the decals will be trapped between the coats of clear and won't be sitting directly on the base coat. You don't really know what type is adhesive is on them and you may get some reaction with your base. You don't want that and have to re base,plus having to buy more decals. Gotta watch those material costs.

 

[mike w]

Thanks for the reply Brian. I hope you don't mind if I ask a couple of follow up questions.

What grit of paper should I sand the first application of clear with?

Also if I'm not using a decal from the manufactuer then is there any rule of thumb on what type of decal/ sticker I should use?

Thanks again!

 

[Brian Dee]

Hi Mike, as for the sanding the clear before you slap your decal on. I wouldn't go any finer then 400,but go easy you don't want to get into your base color. You could also use a scotch brite pad.Since the clear is still fresh you will not have any delaminating issues. As far as the decals you could even get yourself a decal paint mask cut and paint it on. Can you post a photo of the decal or logo you want to use. That way we get get you a better answer. Heck, I maybe able to cut one for ya.

 

[mike w]

At this point I haven't made a firm decision on what decal I'm going to use.

I was going to put the stock HD decals and tape stripes back on it but from what I've been able to determine I may not be able to get those from Harley. I still need to talk with my the local shop though and confirm that.

As an alternative I've been looking at a "ride to live live to ride" decal made by Classic Graphix. I'm also thinking of doing some sort of flame design using tape. I thought before I made a decision on my graphics though I should do some research to figure out if what I wanted to do was posssible.

I certainly appreciate the info you have provided and welcome any ideas. My goal is come up with a good design and a firm plan of action on how to accomplish it before I dive into the project.

 

[mike w]

Brian . . . here is a pic of the decal I've been considering.

 

[Brian Dee]

Hi Mike, after seeing your decal I don't think this would be at all too difficult for a sign shop to to cut a paint mask for you. The main Harley shield can be done just by it self. Then your upper and banner can be done as a another mask. As there only what,2-3 colours invloved to paint this it would be easy to do. Heck you could even hop this up even further by adding drop shadows,making the upper and lower banners look 3D. Hmm pretty cool. By doing this decal in paint,I think it would look much more professional. Rather than just slappin on a decal. Then as you mentioned you could add your flames or even some tribal graphics with beveled edges. So you would end up with a very distintive paint job. Looks like your doing your homework on this. Always better to do a little planning. See what the sign shops can do for you. If they get stuck on it let me know,and we can go from there. Check out the gallery here to see what I mean about the tribal graphics. Scott has some killer paint jobs in there. Ya just may get more or different ideas. Later.

 

[TAZ]

I would also just do the bar and shield logo first, then what I would do is just add some mask and hand draw the banners. Then you could use another mask with just the lettering.
Definitely would paint the logo rather than using a decal.

 

[mike w]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think I'm going to take your advice and just paint the logo. I'm going to search the internet and see if I can find a company that can make a bar and shield paint mask for me.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[Brian Dee]

Mike if you get stuck on that paintmask, gimme a shout. I like the idea Taz suggested on the banners. Hand draw them, then do your lettering. This way you'll end up with a very distinctive and different logo thats all yours.

 

[TAZ]

Try a local sign shop, or sounds like Brian can help you out.

 

[Brian Dee]

yep,no problem,be glad to