Transfer Topcoat?

[Ragmanx]

I just applied a "lightning" transfer to the tank of my A65.

Should I apply lacquer over it.

If so, how should i apply it?

Thanx
SteveG

[Wheelnut]

If it's a plastic decal rather than a water-slide transfer, you should be okay leaving it without lacquer, although the colours  may eventually fade from exposure to sunlight. However, you should apply some sort of clear coating over a water-slide, varnish-fix or spirit-fix transfer or it will not last very long as it is easily damaged and will certainly be attacked by modern fuels.

The problem with a lacquer coat is that the solvents in many acrylic or cellulose lacquers may attack the transfer and destroy it. So before applying anything, contact the maker of the transfer to see what they recommend.

Regular spirit based or water-based varnish is almost always safe with any type of transfers, but this protective coating itself can still be damaged if in contact with modern fuel with its evil ethanol constituent. Even acrylics and the like can be ruined by fuel, so whatever you use, make sure any petrol spillages are immediately wiped off.

When applying varnish or lacquer over a transfer, I have found it a good idea to warm up the area to be coated and, if using an aerosol, to warm that up too. This means that the solvents evaporate quickly so are less likely to lift or attack the paint or dye in the transfer itself. If it is a water-slide type transfer, leave it overnight in a warm place before applying any coating to ensure that all moisture has evaporated. Failure to do this may result in the lacquer/varnish coat drying with a milky coloured film, instead of clear.

Hope this helps.

[Ragmanx]

Your post did more then help!

Thank you much,
SteveG