700S Decals under or over clear coat?

Started by ShawnR, Dec 13, 2024, 11:18 AM

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ShawnR

I'm getting ready to paint an 85 700S and will be putting on new decals (red). Does anyone know for sure if the decals go under the clear coat of are they supposed to be on top of it? Trying to keep it as original looking as possible. Thanks.
CBR 1100xx
VTX1800 with sidecar

mollusc

The factory decals were under clearcoat.  You'll want to make sure you apply the new decals over a very good surface, so be sure to prepare it well and clean up any flaking or otherwise compromised original coating.  Apply several layers of new clearcoat after the new decals are in place.
2015 Triumph Tiger Explorer ABS
1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S
2012 Honda NC700X
2005 Vespa GT200
1982 Yamaha Maxim 550 (sold)
2006 BMW R850R (sold)
1981 Honda CX500B (sold)

ShawnR

Quote from: mollusc on Dec 13, 2024, 12:50 PMThe factory decals were under clearcoat.  You'll want to make sure you apply the new decals over a very good surface, so be sure to prepare it well and clean up any flaking or otherwise compromised original coating.  Apply several layers of new clearcoat after the new decals are in place.

Perfect! Thank you!
CBR 1100xx
VTX1800 with sidecar

Sterminare

I did some research on this but haven't actually done it yet. The advice I saw from some replica decal makers was to apply the decal on top of the paint before clear, let the paint and decal adhesive cure for a couple days to avoid bubbles from off gassing of the adhesive, spray a very very light layer of clearcoat to seal the edges, then a full thickness coat(s) of clear
1984 Nighthawk CB650SC