2K clear coat and decal question

[somewhatcrazy]

I'll be using Custom Paints 1K primer, base coat, f l a k e, and 2K clear coat rattle cans. https://specialistpaints.com/
I want to use waterslide decals, I don't want the sparkly stuff on top of the decals obviously, so I'll apply them after the clear coat. How long do I have to wait for the 2K to cure before decal application? And then after the decals for another coat of 2K to seal it all in? I don't want to screw up $80 worth of coatings.
Anyone have any guidance and/or tips?


Thanks in advance
Rockets go woosh!

 

[Theory]

ive used 2K clear many times and wait a full 72 hours before even touching it. this is at 75 degrees plus, would wait longer at cooler temperatures

i know that you likely dont need to wait that long, but i really dont see any reason not too.

patience is a virtue...

 

[rfjustin]

I'll be using Custom Paints 1K primer, base coat, f l a k e, and 2K clear coat rattle cans. https://specialistpaints.com/
I want to use waterslide decals, I don't want the sparkly stuff on top of the decals obviously, so I'll apply them after the clear coat. How long do I have to wait for the 2K to cure before decal application? And then after the decals for another coat of 2K to seal it all in? I don't want to screw up $80 worth of coatings.
Anyone have any guidance and/or tips?


Thanks in advance
Rockets go woosh!

Question... why cant the decals go on after the base coat but before the clear? That's what I would recommend doing is putting the 2K over the decals.

 

[tab28682]

Question... why cant the decals go on after the base coat but before the clear? That's what I would recommend doing is putting the 2K over the decals.

He wants to do that because he is apparently putting metal flake in the first coat of 2K clear and does not want the decals to have the metal flaked clear on top of them. He must be getting rattle can 2K clear with flake in it? Does not completely compute, but I am not an expert on the Specialist Paints.

 

[nraymondb]

I just used that particular brand of paint. I am not sure about waterslide decals and what a 2K clear would do to them, however for what its worth, it goes over vinyl very nice as long as you scuff up the vinyl before applying the 2k, we are talking like 1500 sandpaper.
There isn't any fines in the 2k clear.
I waited 48 hours before touching the coating but I live in a dryer climate.
What you could do is make a mock up on a scrap piece of cardboard tube, apply a decal and try and 2k over it to see what happens. Just remember that the 2K clear has a 24 hr pot life and after that it's done.

 

[David Schwantz]

I have not used that brand of paint. But my rule of thumb is if you can touch the paint and it does not leave an oil fingerprint, you are good to go.