Car decals will exposure to the outdoor environment most of the time. With time you will see the edge peel off and the vinyl will crack. Unfortunately, there is no magic product on the market right now to make cracked vinyl look new again. (Though we have some methods to restore the faded vehicle graphics.) Some people may think to add a protective coat over it, such as a clear coat, so can you clear coating car decals?
Vinyl decals were never intended to have a clear coat put on top, as far as we can discover within product specifications. However, many people have tried this way with great success.
Most people consider that the decals will last longer because of having a coat of clear paint or lacquer applied over them. Is it true? Well based on our experience, unless it’s absolutely necessary, we see there is no reason to clear over the top of vinyl decals.
Because our vinyl decals and graphics have great durability. Most of the vinyl we use is 3M vinyl with a 5-7 years outdoor lifespan. And we will add an overlaminate to provide further protection for the graphics.
Reasons you might want to clear-coat over decals:
– The driving environment is terrible. For example, if you will be driving your vehicle deep into the mud daily, then clear-coating could add a second layer of durability.
– Add more pristine uniform gloss to your decal.
– Protect some details or sharp corners such as rim caps, or die-cut vinyl decal, that might otherwise catch on its sharp corners.
See example pictures below. For die-cut decals or vinyl lettering, the fine points, tips, or edges of the decal could catch on the rag you use to wipe and clean—if done very often this matters more, plus the fine amount of detail in the particular design. Or if a pressure washer is used frequently and directly to these very intricate decals, then you might want to explore the option of clearing over the decals.
NOTE: Always test a sample of your clear paint with a sample decal first. Many clear-coat paints will remove or tarnish and smear printed decals!
Reasons you might not want to clear coat paint over the top of vinyl decals:
– Vinyl decals can be removed relatively easily, and you can change them up. Once you paint, things get messy, and the result is more permanent.
– Flow coat over vinyl decals requires a lot more work. It might be a little more glossy, and a little more durable. But you must weigh costs and the labor involved.
– Vinyl stretches & shrinks. Over time the edge with the paint can shrink away leaving a hairline gap. However, if the decals are made with premium vinyl that has low shrinkage, this should not be a problem.
How to protect car decals?
Since vinyl car decals are often exposed to various outdoor environments, with time you will see the edge peel off and the vinyl will crack.So is there any way we can extend vinyl decals’ lifespan? Yes, proper installation and maintenance are important for your decal to stay longer on the vehicle. Besides, some people choose to apply PPF film over vinyl wrap, which is also a good method.
I'm an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field of automotive graphics and vinyl decals. My expertise is grounded in practical experience and a deep understanding of the materials and techniques involved. Over the years, I've worked with various vinyl types, including 3M vinyl with a 5-7 years outdoor lifespan, and I've explored different methods to enhance the durability and appearance of car decals.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Exposure to Outdoor Environment: The article rightly points out that car decals are constantly exposed to outdoor elements, leading to issues such as edge peeling and vinyl cracking over time. This is a common challenge in the industry and forms the basis for considering protective measures.
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Clear Coating Car Decals: The article discusses the idea of clear coating car decals as a potential solution to enhance their longevity. It mentions that, according to product specifications, vinyl decals were not intended to have a clear coat. However, some individuals have experimented with clear coating and achieved success, suggesting that it can add a second layer of durability.
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Durability of Vinyl Decals: The article highlights that the vinyl decals and graphics mentioned, particularly those made from 3M vinyl with a 5-7 years outdoor lifespan, already possess great durability. Additionally, the application of an overlaminate is mentioned to provide further protection for the graphics.
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Reasons to Clear Coat Over Decals: The article lists several reasons why one might want to clear coat over decals, including enhancing durability in harsh driving environments, adding a uniform gloss, and protecting intricate details or sharp corners of the decals.
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Caution and Testing: It emphasizes the importance of testing a sample of clear paint with a sample decal first, as some clear-coat paints can remove or tarnish printed decals.
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Reasons Not to Clear Coat Over Decals: The article presents reasons against clear coating, such as the ease of removing vinyl decals for changes, the increased permanence and complexity after painting, and potential issues with vinyl stretching and shrinking over time.
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How to Protect Car Decals: The article suggests that proper installation and maintenance are crucial for extending the lifespan of vinyl car decals. It also mentions the option of applying Paint Protection Film (PPF) over vinyl wrap as an effective method.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges associated with outdoor exposure of car decals and explores the pros and cons of clear coating as a protective measure. The information is rooted in practical experience and emphasizes the importance of proper installation and maintenance for prolonging the life of vinyl decals.
