Paint what to do.

[metalfab]

Ive painted so many cars and bikes but I have never painted over decals. I got the repro 82 1100E stickers/decals and I have been ready to paint forever. In the past I loved acrylic enamel with polyurethane hardener, I can spray it on where it looks like glass on a good day, but that is without any clear coat. I have done a lot of lacquer mostly when requested, or for customs. But now I need to do a base coat, apply decals and spray over the decals with clear. I bought lacquer for the base coat, I was going to spray it, scuff it, apply the decals, and shoot 2 part polyurethane clear over it and be done. I was in the shop setting up and I was reading on the expensive automotive clear and it says do not apply over lacquer. I know that lacquer does off gas for a few days to a week depending on temperature, and how hot the thinner was you used. I am thinking they want to avoid that. But then I am wondering of something unforeseen might cause the warning. I really don't want to do it twice. How have you all been doing clear. What base coat, and procedure works. Do you sand between base and clear. I do prefer a clear that shines and doesn't need buffing. Any help is appreciated.

[Nessism]

I like to use base coat and clear from the same manufacturer. No surprises that way. Spray epoxy primer, base coat, then a few layers of clear. Allow to dry a few days then flatten clear using a gray scotchbrite pad. Now apply decals and allow them to outgas for a day or so followed by a few more layers of clear. Done.

[metalfab]

I never thought of laying down clear before decals then more clear, makes sense. I am probably going to bite the bullet and not use the lacquer base coat and poly 2 part clear. Getting base/clear from the same mfg is pretty foolproof. I am building a custom guitar, the thought of making it a tribute to a GS1100 did pass through my mind briefly last week. I do have some off spec GS1100E decals and the paint that matches the bike. Now it looks like I have extra matching lacquer too. I might shoot a test panel, but there is something to be said for the foolproof matching base/clear from the same manufacturer.