Clear coating over old paint and decals question......

[bandit67]

My neighbor wants me to clear coat his old Hondas tank and covers. Metal tank and plastic covers I assume was painted with enamel 50 years ago and added decals. How safe would that be doing that. In the past using some clear coats I used a urethane reducer , and I think now they make some that is not reduced. Pretty sure reducer in the clear would lift old enamel, yes-no, but would non reduced clear possibly lift paint or decals. Would spray bomb clears be a better choice. We concerned todays non ethanol gas, if spilled, WILL eventually lift the old paint.....thanks....

 

[khryslerkid]

The enamel more than likely had hardner in it when applied (if it's factory) so it won't lift. You could test it under the tank if you're not sure.

Do the decals have clear over them? If not there might be an adhesion problem. You'll need to use an adhesion promoter over them and it wouldn't hurt to spray the whole works with it. Use a water base wax and grease prep so it won't damage the decals.

There are clear coats that are fuel resistant. Best I used was by House of Colors.

Or you can just keep a good quality wax on the parts. Factory paint will hold up to e fuels. You should be using an e free gas if you can in that Honda.

 

[bandit67]

The tank and covers have the decals attached directly over the paint, no cc at all. He does use non e gas here but knows at some point e gas may be all that is available to get home. He has some paint touch up spots to deal with and I think using some adhesion promoter is a great idea and then will try to cc. Thanks kk.

 

[Coelacanth]

Check out Spraymax 2K Clear, it's the only aerosol clear I'd recommend. I clearcoated my custom-painted guitars with it. One can will easily finish your job with 2 or 3 coats.

 

[Runcharger]

Spraymax 2K is what most of us use now. This was my first one and it beats the heck out of all the expensive bodyshop supplies. We'll see how it lasts though. My paint and decals were new though.

 

[Runcharger]

I bought 3 cans of Spraymax 2K to do the bike as I wanted to make sure I didn't runout before finishing. It took 2 cans. I dusted the first coat, went medium on the second then went pretty heavy and closer than I would have expected on the third. It laid down much better than I expected and no runs. I thought I would have to wet sand and polish it but I didn't. No discussions with the neighbors regarding fumes either. I did wear a respirator however.

 

[Coelacanth]

Yeah, I forgot to mention that. Definitely wear a respirator, 2K clear is really bad for the health.