Guys,
I have used vinyl lettering on several ships and had good luck and bad. If you apply the vinyl and then go to clear coat same day, it has a problem with the edges curling. How long have you waited before clear coat to get smooth edges?

Best,    DennisT

   You are clear-coating over vinyl stickers? I can't imagine that the adhesion is very good.

     Brett

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My thought on reading this is that it depends entirely on the adhesive, not the fact that you're using vinyl.

How smooth of a coat do you get when all is said and done?  And how bad is it if you sand into but not through a letter?  You basically need to build up a clear coat around the letters that's as thick as the vinyl.

 Shooting clear over vinyl works just fine and lasts indefinitely, if you're careful and know what you're doing. The biggest trick, and the short explanation, is to spray the initial coats "dry" and light with drying time allowed between those coats. Do so until you get things sealed and covered enough to get yourself into a safe zone for a heavier final coat. I've done this on countless models with consistent success. My "YIPPEE" P-38 is just one example, other than the canopy detail all the other graphics are vinyl sealed and finished with Brodak clear.

 

WWW,
My question is how long do you need to let the vinyl set in place before applying the the clear coat? When I had the issue was when I applied the vinyl then very soon after hit it with the clear. I have read that letting it set a few days lets the adhesive bond better then it is less effected by the clear coat. Just not sure how long is long enough?

Best,   DennisT

 I think it probably boils down to the overall quality of the materials more than anything. I'm sure it doesn't hurt to let them sit for a time but personally, and in my experience, I don't feel like it matters. My hunch is that there's more to the problem you're having than just the allowed adhesion time.