Paint and finish

[tjmicsak]

I built a Toneclone ODR-uno and of course had to make it green as they, though the same, are reported to be better sounding. 

I used primer, laquer, and clear for this but ran into a few problems, the first was finding out I put the "drive" and "level" decals reversed.
Live and learn. I also had a couple runs and finger marks from the fact that the clear coat had to be quite thick in an attempt to smooth over the decals (standard wet slip printer paper from Small Bear).
even after two days the clear is still the consistancy of a Jolly Rancher so when putting the hardware back on it actually flowed out from under the washers. I plan on re-doing it and learning from my mistakes but I need some help in doing that.

Should I be using enamal instead?
How should I be smooting the decal height issue to make them look printed without resorting to using so many coats of clear? SHould I mask the decals for two coats which would biuld up the surface to match them and then overspray the whole top?
Is there a decal sealer I should be using?

[nosamiam]

Of course we'd be glad to help you, but you left out one critical piece of info: Where'd you get that enclosure?!!

[tjmicsak]

Part of the kit, looks like all the TC kits use similar enclosures. I am sure they must have a source but I don't know what that is.
http://www.toneclonepedals.com/index.php/toneclone-pedals/nobleman

[SteveB]

Enamel will take even longer to dry. 2 days isn't really all that long. I like to let lacquer cure for at least a couple of weeks, but usually a month. Spray 3 coats a day waiting 15 minutes or so between them. Let that sit overnight, & the next day, lightly wet sand any imperfections, & add another 3 coats. Repeat until the decal edges are level. Let the final coat sit for a few weeks. Generally, when it doesn't smell like paint anymore, it's gassed out enough.

Use less clear on the decal paper, & the decals won't be as thick. It will take less clear on the box to level things out.

Is that Tamiya paint for the green?

Steve

[liquids]

Weeks?

Search around for m-theory's posts on clear coating with epoxy. 

1 hour of intermittent attention, 2 days to dry, and you get a super thick clear coat hard as a rock.  It's not that hard if you've used epoxy before, and it's awesome.  Also, no spraying, fumes or odd aromas, even.

I use it over with p-touch labels without any trouble since they are sticky, but he had some tips about using it with decals I believe, and I have a 'book' of his great info on the subject for starters, mixed with my findings stored somewhere if you PM me.