This is my third rod. In the past, I have covered my decal decorations with LS Supreme, however, I could never get it to level properly. After reading more on the subject on this board, I decided to try PermaGloss this time. It does level much better, however, it also bled the colors off the decals. I suspect my brush (an artist quality synthetic) was too stiff. (I also learned that solvents suitable for artist's oils and varnishes do not work well on PermaGloss as a cleaning agent.)
Now for my questions:
1. Can I apply another decal over the existing decal even if covered by two coats of finish?
2. Can I apply more coats of PermaGloss after more than 24 hours?
3. Was the culprit my brush?

Any suggestions will be much appreciated. For the record, the decal in question was a smallmouth bass of the "press/rub on" variety. The image of the fish is apparent, just not that it is a bronzeback.

Thanks for any help!
Tight lines,
Hunter



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2006 02:37PM by Hunter Armstrong.

Read the article in the last issue of RodMaker - it will take care of getting a level finish with LS Supreme, or any other epoxy for that matter.

PermaGloss contains a "hot" solvent and thus it will eat the ink and/or decal unless you place a barrier of some sort between them. Color preserver or an artist's fixative spray work well. You probably already have CP on hand.

You can apply another decal over what you have now, depending on how things look now - I can't advise you as to the thickness of what you've got now and how it's going to look with another decal stacked on top.

You can generally apply a coat of Permagloss every hour. Longer than 24 is also possible. It has a solvent and will tend to meld into the coat below it.

Your brush was not the culprit. Failure to seal the decal surface against the solvent in the PermaGloss was the culprit.

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As always, thanks Tom. What a resource this site is. If I subscribe now, will I get the current issue. It appears that I really need to read that article you wrote on finishes, and I cannot find the magazine on any local newstands.
Thanks again.
Hunter

That one is already relagated to back issue status. You'd have to buy it that way.

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The eegshell effect and tendency to form "waves" when you build many, many layers makes using Permagloss for decals not worth the effort. I use Permagloss for all my guides, but find it far easier to use regular epoxy to get an attractive decal covering.