I've applied the CP over decal to avoid lifting of edges, but after the epox cured, the CP looks very visible like a cloudy dirty shade under the epoxy. Was it because it was too thick ? Can I try some other method for the decal without using CP ? I hate it.

Hopefully it was thoroughly dried before the finish was applied. Perhaps it is fingerprints on the underside of the decal. That would be indicated by the portions where finger contact was made are the only hazy spots.

For a solution to your problem, I suggest wrapping over the decal with white silk thread and coating with a thin finish. No CP on that wrap.

Hi Chuck, no it has nothing to do with finger prints ... it is all over the place where I applied CP. What do you mean by wrapping over the decal ? wouldn't that hide my decal ? not sure I'm understanding :)

White silk turns transparent with epoxy. What decal is it? St.Croix's and decal connection hardly ever lift with no CP used. I have issues with rainshadow decals but lay a thin coat of epoxy down first, let it dry, apply decal over it, wrap edges with trim bands, then apply another coat of epoxy.
Thanks,
Dan G

On decals I always use this
[www.amazon.com]

Bill - willierods.com

When I apply decals, I never use CP with excellent results. I just use my standard finish and it works very well with no lifted edges.

Good luck

Try taking some super glue ( I use Krazy Glue) and run a very thin streak of it around the edges of the decal. It'll only take a few minutes to dry and will look funky, but will completely disappear after finish is applied.

I think different folks may be talking about different decals. I don't use waterslide, just peel and stick, most of which are done on my inkjet printer on Papillio white vinyl media. For those, an edge treatment of CP then the fixative like Bill uses, and then epoxy. I put CP on the edges of peel and stick blank manufacturer decals exc for the rub-on ones. I don't put anything on them.

Keep in mind that the white CP's have solids in them and should always be mixed. Is it possible that the Flex Coat (which is the brand I use) was not mixed enough? My Flex Coat always dries crystal clear.

I use Decal Connection decals and have never had a problem with the edges. I apply them on a fresh thin coat of epoxy that has cured overnight, then apply the final coat over the decal.

I used Flexcoat CP and yes probably didn't mix well and applied too much. Decals are the custom text decals from Mudhole. I don't want to apply them over an epoxy coat as I want it to look thin.

I use clear fingernail polish over the edges of the decal.. I use it on virtually every rod I make and have experienced no problems whatsoever.

I usually make big decals so always make a wrap over the edges of the decal and use CP to prevent any problems. Never have a lifting problem.

Abraço
Nuno

Alistair, many builders put a coat of epoxy onto the blank before the application of the decal, but I do not often do that, and don't think it is necessary to proper adhesion. It does provide a contaminant-free surface. One thing you can do is to degloss the blank surface lightly, which will also take off any oil or wax or other substance that might compromise adhesion.

I have put decals over epoxy, and like the look of the decal "floating" off the surface of the blank. I try to design my wraps so that I cover the ends, as Nuno does. It gives a rally nice, finished, look. Different strokes.

Comments deleted



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2016 04:46PM by John E Powell.

What I do is roll a round object over the edges of any decal just to make sure it is down

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks all. Bill, do you mean to train the decal to the roundness of the blank before applying it ?

After I apply it I go over the edges Decal connection makes a roller for that Yet you can probably make one Watch out for any glue that may come out from the edges
You can also Carefully wipe the edges with a paper towel

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/28/2016 03:19PM by bill boettcher.

Alistair,
I do as you stated. i.e. train the decal by rubbing it over a round object that is somewhat smaller than the blank on which it will be applied. That way, when the decal is applied, the edges of the decal hug the blank and no issues with lifted edges.


Then, I just coat the butt wrap, decal area and the rest of the guides with finish. Nothing special needed in the area of the decal. Be safe