Details and Lettering.

[Ribo]

Hi folks,

I've got my tank to a place where the paints ready for clear but I want to add some detail - not sure about the design just yet but I know I want some lettering and maybe couple of thin stripes.

Anyone provide any advise on the best way to do this. Is is just a case of stenciling this out with paint or is there a cleaner way that will be ok covered by 2K clear?

Thanks
R./

 

[SONICJK]

The cleanest and most foolproof way is to do vinyl lettering and then paint over it.
If you put a lot of clear and sand it back you can make it seamless.

 

[HerrDeacon]

When I did my MB5 I first painted the tank with the colour I wanted to show for the stripes and lettering and then taped that off. I then shot the main colour, removed the tape and clear coated with Spraymax2K. That way there is no raised sections showing due to applied stripes or decals.

Gold paint shot first:

Black shot and then tape removed. I have shots of the taped part but not on this PC.

Then cleared with SprayMax2K

 

[Ribo]

yep - well you live and learn - I should have done that from the start but first time doing this I've just got the base color done - I'm looking at doing 2 stripes that I can just mask out but I really wanted lettering on the side... maybe I'll respray a small area sticker it out and then redo that with base again... or maybe I'll just stencil it...

 

[Scratcher09]

The undesirable edge that is left from graphics is the same whether you shoot graphics color(s) first and then tape and shoot base color (as herrdeacon did) or shoot base and then tape and shoot graphics. Either way, there is an edge to contend with. To make the determination of which route to go, ask yourself this: is it easier to tape the negative of the graphics or the positive? The edge is the same whether the graphic is raised or the base color is raised. To minimize the edge, very carefully wet sand the edges 800 grit before clearing. Also, you want to build up a little more clear so it will be leveled out after cutting and polishing. I'll attach a pic of a paint job I did for a customer. There is no detectable edge on the graphics.

 

[Scratcher09]

Here is another job I did where a customer requested a satin finish with blue old school flames. Again, notice there is no edge on graphics. As long as you are careful not to shoot the stenciled or taped paint too thick and you carefully sand edges before clearing, the edges should be undetectable. And if you use vinyl decals make sure they are the type that is specifically made to be cleared over. Some adhesives used on vinyl decals release gases over time and will have adverse effects if cleared.

 

[Ribo]

Thanks man, appreciate the advice... both those look great!

 

[o1marc]

Using a vinyl decal for lettering will leave a much cleaner line than paint or powder coating the graphics on. I use an Oracal 651 for most jobs and occasionally a 751, which can handle more heat and is thinner, when powder coating over them. Lots of clear and wet sanding is the key to a smooth finish without telltale edge lines.