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POLAK DECALS: Can I apply paint and clearcoat over them?

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Old 02-27-2010, 05:21 PM
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POLAK DECALS: Can I apply paint and clearcoat over them?

I intent to paint the calipers of my 8 and then fit some polak 'RX8' decals. However, the decals are white and I want to make them silver and then apply some clearcoat on top of them. Has anyone done it before? Are the decals going to handle the paint and clear w/out getting deformed?

Also, shall I apply the paint and clearcoat prior sticking them on the calipers or after?

For me, spraying with paint and clear before sticking them on the calipers seems to be easier and with less risks, as I wouldnt wanna mess with the painted calipers...

Your help is appreciated,

Last edited by Vince11; 02-27-2010 at 05:24 PM.
Old 02-27-2010, 06:08 PM
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definitely apply a layer of clear coat, if you don't they will come off, speaking from experience lol
Old 02-27-2010, 06:48 PM
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apply the color you want the "RX8" to be on the caliper. let it dry. apply the decals to this area. Paint everything the color you want your top coat to be. while paint is still wet, remove the decal and now the undercolor will be visible. let everything dry then clear coat if you want.

If you're using an epoxy paint there really isnt much need for a clear coat (i used g2 paint and it's as shiney as the day i applied it.
Old 02-28-2010, 08:35 AM
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Originally Posted by laythor
apply the color you want the "RX8" to be on the caliper. let it dry. apply the decals to this area. Paint everything the color you want your top coat to be. while paint is still wet, remove the decal and now the undercolor will be visible. let everything dry then clear coat if you want.

If you're using an epoxy paint there really isnt much need for a clear coat (i used g2 paint and it's as shiney as the day i applied it.

Thanks for the info. I've seen photos in polak's website and beside's being a time consuming method, I was not very impressed with the results. The 'rx8' logo appears to be somehow curvy, with bumps, showing the uneven metal surface underneath. I prefer the perfect looks of the decal sticker, assuming a long lasting fit can be achieved.

Last edited by Vince11; 02-28-2010 at 08:47 AM.
Old 02-28-2010, 08:41 AM
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Originally Posted by Macius8
definitely apply a layer of clear coat, if you don't they will come off, speaking from experience lol
Thanks for the comment. A couple of questions: 1) What kind of clear coat did you use? Does it have to be high temp rated?

2) Did you apply it prior sticking them on the petals, or after? I prefer the former, but Im concerned whether it would destroy the adhesive properties of the decal.
Old 03-05-2010, 02:46 PM
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I can make them in silver for you.
Old 03-06-2010, 03:20 AM
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Hey thanks for letting me know about this option.

However, I ordered a few days ago 8 decals from polak graphics website. Unfortunately, at the website, the color choices were only black, red and white. So I went with white...
Old 03-06-2010, 11:19 AM
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What are the chances of the clearcoat holding up? I plan on taking the RX8 to Lime Rock and track brake temps + clearcoat = ?
Old 03-06-2010, 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by laythor
apply the color you want the "RX8" to be on the caliper. let it dry. apply the decals to this area. Paint everything the color you want your top coat to be. while paint is still wet, remove the decal and now the undercolor will be visible. let everything dry then clear coat if you want.

If you're using an epoxy paint there really isnt much need for a clear coat (i used g2 paint and it's as shiney as the day i applied it.

do this...
no need for clear coat
Old 04-21-2010, 10:39 PM
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Rut roh, I just ordered the white RX-8 decals from Polak and the G2 blue paint kit. Are you guys saying that it will fall off if I use it as a decal? Would applying clear coat over top help? I'd rather not as I'm hoping to get all of the calipers painted, decals installed, and pads changed in a day. And I don't want to buy another kit just to use the decal as a stencil (not to mention the added time).
Old 09-07-2010, 11:39 PM
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Just to give an update, I've had these decals on for almost 5 months now and they've held up fine so far. I even did 2 days on track at VIR weekend before last. Decals still holding strong!
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