I want to change the graphics on my little 30 CC scarab sport, boat is all white with Painted on graphics. I just want to tape off graphics and stripe 2 or 3 colors over it. I am aware of the process and the sanding etc... but I have a few questions.

1. How long do I have to wait to tape off stripes on the paint i just sprayed ? ( new graphics are goint to overlap)

2. I assume I have to wait to lay all the graphics before I clear ?

3. Just an observation, I know that when my Cig was painted they did not finish all the taping and graphics etc.. in that 24 hour period to lay clear on top.... so whats is the procedure that Grafik works and Dave Hunter might use ???

Thanks

I assume you mean DBC color.

There are a fews things you can do, some that PPG wouldn't agree with. I have this problem all the time as the type of stuff I do, always takes MUCH longer then 24 hrs.

First tape time, depending on temp and humidity 1/2 hour better yet 1 hour. Go to the PPG web site and download the tech sheet. The key is use GOOD quality tape (I love 3m) and leave it on only as long as you need. If you plan right you may be able to cut down on the masking.

I have wet sanded the color (Yea that's what I said) IF IF it is a solid color. I always do this with black. If you never done it I wouldn't recommend it.

If you are not going to get it done in 24 before the clear you can use a intercoat clear, this is a non catalyzed clear. Spray it on when you get done, then just wet sand it when you come back the next day and are ready for clear.

+1 on all that. I was also told that as long as you re coat with intercoat clear (or more color) no sanding is necessary. DBC base coats only need a "wake up" coat that gives you an additional 24 hrs, then you can continue on to clear. I have also used adheasion promotor on basecoats that are over 24 hours old (although i believe intercoat clear would be more proper). Incase you were wondering there is a true potential for adheasion of the clear to the basecoat if it is applied out side the 24 hr window. It doesnt always happen but early on in my paint career i did push it a few times and paid the price (went far over the limit to almost a week). The clear had some spoty delaminations in a few areas and in a complex graphic this can only be repaired by going back to square one by striping everything off. Its not a lesson you want to learn more then once fortunatly i screwed up on MY stuff lol

One way to get around noy having to use the intercoat is when you get done your graffics ( if its over the 24 hr period ) you can lightly scuff your colors with a gold scotch bright. This will help your adhesion without pulling your metallics or pearls. This little trick will work with any paint system.I have done it quite a few times with great success. As you scuff you will see you BC get alittle more dull- stop there, that is your breaking point.

Also the 3m blue fineline is alot better to use then the green. But 3m is still the best!!!

That is a good suggestion!

I have done the same thing and also learned the hard way by not using the proper color scotch brite...

Red leaves ugly scratch marks, and grey is almost as bad!

Why I had to learn that lesson twice I'll never know, but it wasn't fun!