Hiding the decal

[gdgross]

This is after:
1. Two clear lacquer coats & light sand
2. Decal application and getting bubbles out with a wet q tip
3. ~10 coats of clear, sanding down every 2-3 coats until it was really flat.
4. Getting frustrated that I could still see the decal, and sanding down probably 6 coats worth or more.

So, what did I do wrong? And is there a way to salvage this short of sanding down all the way and starting over with a new coat/decal/coat/sand/coat/etc?

Thanks!
Geoff

 

[Cagey]

It sounds like you did things right, but a picture might be helpful.

 

[dmraco]

post a photo.

Perhaps moisture under decal?
What type of clear?

 

[gdgross]

Hmm I thought I posted a photo in the original post, but looks like it's not showing up.  Let's try this:

 

[swarfrat]

Is that a waterslide decal still on the carrier. The carrier looks darker than the finish, I'm no expert but that looks like a toughie

 

[gdgross]

Not sure what the carrier is? The paper behind the decal?

 

[Cagey]

It's tough to tell, but for 10 coats of lacquer, it doesn't look like there's much of a build happening. It may be too thin. How far away are you when you spray? Do you get a wet surface after each coat? Also, what are you using to sand with? You have to use something very flat (recommend a hard rubber block) so you basically only sand on the surface of the decal, which allows the area around the decal to build some thickness while the finish on the surface of the decal stays thin. Eventually, the decal ends up buried in finish. Finally, it may be the lighting on the shot, but it almost looks like the decal foundation film isn't exactly clear.

 

[gdgross]

I'm pretty confident in my spray and sand technique.  Good coats that got wet enough, I think - usually 3 or so passes, using he stewmac clear gloss lacquer spray cans. I was indeed using a rubber block and ~400 grit sandpaper.  And in fact I could see that the lacquer over the decal was being sanded much more than the lacquer to the sides of the decal. By the end, I'm pretty sure it was flat- at certain angles the decal disappears completely, and I could see the a pretty good shine. Also my fingers stopped feeling where the edge was.

I suppose if it is the decal there's nothing I can do about it except to start again from the bottom up. It didn't occur to me that not all decals are created equally...

 

[Cagey]

Once again, it sounds like you did everything right. It's gotta be the decal.

 

[gdgross]

Yeah, that's the conclusion I'm coming to too.

Bummer :-/

 

[Strat Avenger]

Is this a Rothko & Frost decal? 
Those things are a huge pain in the ass.

 

[gdgross]

Is this a Rothko & Frost decal? 
Those things are a huge pain in the ass.

Don't recall actually, bought it from someone on eBay a few months ago.

Anyway, sanded down below the decal last night...I'll be starting over as soon as another can of clear and a new decal arrive.

Thanks guys, Geoff

 

[gdgross]

While I'm waiting for the new decal to arrive I had a thought: I'm applying a very slight amber tint to this neck. I've already sprayed the tint coat onto the back of the neck and back and sides of the headstock, and currently building up a few layers of uncolored clear above it.

I plan on doing the same to the front of the headstock.

Question is - above or below the decal?

My initial thought was above with some clear over it, as I'm doing on the back of the neck, but now that I'm sitting around waiting I wonder if it would be ok below, and I might end up with a few less coats by the time I'm done...

 

[stratamania]

I would put the tint below personally.

 

[dmraco]

Back to swarfrats comment, most waterslides are on a clear carrier.  You soak to the decal in water and slide off the decal onto the surface you are applying it to.  Sound right??

 

[gdgross]

Yep that's what I did! Slid the decal off onto the surface after a brief soak.

 

[gdgross]

And noted on the tint below vs above. If nothing else it'll make the final finish thickness a bit thinner.

 

[gdgross]

Ok, sanded way back down to a thin layer of lacquer, and started over with a new decal.  Although the edges are still visible (i've still got some coats/sanding to do) I can already tell this decal is transparent, while the other one was apparently not.

Also did the tint coat below the decal this time.  seems to be fine.

Thanks guys!