Applying decals/clear coat to a glittered enclosure

[lvckv]

So I'm a couple of coats of paint and a bunch of glitter into this enclosure.

Was planning on adding some waterslide inkjet decals and was wondering exactly what I should be doing now...

Applying the decal straight on top of the glitter doesn't seem a great idea?
Or I can apply some clear coat and then put the decal on top (before putting clear coat on top of that, obviously) – is that workable?

[davent]

You have i right, clearcoat first to achieve a flat surface, apply decal, clearcoat. Don't get impatient and try to rush the leveling coats, don't clearcoat with heavy coats, apply mist coats, dry between coats, it will take a lot of coats to get level smooth.
dave

[kaycee]

Exactly as Davent says above, done it many times. I use brush on Plastikote clear, de-cant some into a container so as not to contaminate the rest. If spraying it's not an issue. Consider white print over the purple, will look fab!

[lvckv]

Ah cool, thanks. So just more coats than usual over the top then.

[bluebunny]

apply mist coats

^^ This!

And make sure that glittery finish has completely dried before you start.

[davent]

I did a metal flake finish - once - and it took a many many coats of clear to get there, (using an airbrush), the purple glitter covering looks much coarser than what i had to deal with. Patience will be rewarded.

[kaycee]

After a few coats, just flat it off, even if it is still rough. Then decal, then clear again as many as you want.