I attempted to look up this topic before asking. on 2 recent occasions I had my MHX decal lift and peel while the epoxy is drying... out of the dozens of rods that I have built, this is the first time that it has happened. I had the a under wrap, a thin layer of epoxy. I then allowed it to fully cure before applying the decal and laying the final coat of epoxy. How can I avoid this from happening again? Help please...The epoxy that I have been using is D2 if that makes a difference.

I think there was a post about this a few days ago,
It was recommended to apply a coat of CP after the decal is placed, let cure, then epoxy.

I had the same problem with the last MHX decal too, and will try the CP trick with the one on the wrapper now and post back.


P.S.
I was able to save that one decal by using a double edge razor to trim the lifted edges, then applied the second coat of epoxy.

I had this happen too in the past. Someone told me to wrap the decal around a similar diameter blank for a few days prior (using rubberbands or something similar) to "train" the decal how it should go. Works pretty well.

Roger, you epoxy brand was blacked out. I went to Threadmaster because of similar problems with another finish and have not had problems. Also let the finish cure just a little bit longer before applying to the decal area. Sometimes if the finish is thin it works its way under specific brands of decals. Let it tack up a bit and this problem should be taken care of.
Buzz

Thanks guys for all the pointers. I will try the CP trick. I will continue to follow the thread and see if anyone else has some pointers to prevent decals from lifting during the curing process.

I have found that if I apply the decal (Manufacturers or Decal Connections) upon a coat of epoxy that has just gotten past the,"it will finger print" stage, they adhere very very well. No edge lifting, and in fact the decal edges seem to almost disappear. I have never had to apply CP.

I do find it important to bend the decal around a smaller portion of the blank in order to preset a curve.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/16/2015 01:06PM by Phil Erickson.

Had this happen a few times on various decals only to have to strip things off and try again. Now I've learned to swipe a very thin streak of Krazy Glue along the edge of the decal with the Krazy Glue applicator tip (I use the standard little liquid tube). It dries in just a few minutes and you're ready to apply finish. Gives two great results...your label/decal stays down and you can't see the glue at all after the finish goes on.

Spray with Krylon Fixative 2 light coats and it will stay I spray all mine and have no problems Also is VERY CLEAR

Bill - willierods.com

I'll try this method, I have some on my shelf. Thanks for the Tip Bill.....

I like it better then CP CP always looks kind of cloudy

Bill - willierods.com

Bill do you mask off the area to be applied to? I just finished a cross wrap for my daughter's Christmas rod...a little late I know. Gonna tie it off and the decal is going next to it. Want this thing to stick right since it's going so close to my hours of work.