I have found a theme that I was looking for in Finger Nail decals. I was wondering if anyone has ever used these on their custom rods?

Thanks for all reply's
Brad Hetzel

I found that CP dissolves the ink...
PermaGloss lifted the edges.
If I were to do it again, I would try glueing the decal edges down with superglue, then finish with epoxy,or maybe try just using epoxy right over the decal.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/17/2009 10:41AM by George Forster.

George just a thought, but what about clear finger nail polish. I've used it to seal the edges on regular decals and it doesn't show under epoxy. It should be compattable with the decals as they are both used for finger nails.

DOOOH!
Mark, that is such an obvious solution, I don't know how I didn't see it.
Brad, what Mark said...

You could also warm the decal (or set it out in the sun for a day). Generally the application of light heat will loosen the adhesive a bit and give it a stronger bond. I never put on any sort of decal then apply finish, but rather wait a day with it out on my porch for it to fully set. Prior to doing this I always had edges lift up a little since doing it that is no longer an issue for me.

My wife brought me a card of American flag themed appliquies. I did a red white and blue diamond wrap and put the little flags between the diamonds. I put finish on and it worked perfectly. They stayed in place and covered very well. I have been looking for more of the same ever since. I get funny looks from the women in there when I walk in and start going through the little cards.
Pat

Sean
If I left the rod out on the porch for a day I would have to melt the ice off of it and defrost it before applying the finish. It is - 17c here right now.or for you farenheit guys its 1deg.

Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods

Rolly I know what you mean. It was -17 farenheit here a couple of days ago and a high of 7 farenheit. It would have been a little tough to thaw out for epoxy (lol).

I have nothing important to add. I was just going to suggest the finger nail polish as well. We used to use it when labeling things. We labeled things....indoor use.....for long term with a P-Touch machine and didn't want the tape ends to curl back. They usually do and in a short time as well. Like the next day. We used to coat them with the clear fingernail polish and cured the problem. I wasn't sure though if it was going to make the decal ink run though. Hope it doesn't. Would like to know how well it works if anyone wants to post some more info.

I am working on the same problem right now. CP does make the ink run!! At least the water based CP. I use Flex Coat. I tried clear fingernail polish. I had 1 small area of the decal edge lift using the fingernail polish. But the fingernail polish adhered the decal very well! Not quite sure how the finish coat is going to look over the nail polish though we will find out tonight! I also thought about using a clear coat like is used for applying decals when making plastic model cars.

I just used some of these decals for the first time and coated them with some Colorlock 2 and didn't have any issues. It is water based.

Spray on Krylon fixatif and then do what you want!

DR

Krylon sounds good. I know a fellow who uses Zar Exterior Polyurethane a lot. He showed me a rod with a feather inlay. He said he used CP to put it on the rod. Then coated it with the ZAR. Looked beautiful.

just fyi