Best Clear Coat OVER Powder Coat????????

[Govmnt_Lacky]

So I have some 1590B enclosures that have been powder coated. I want to apply a full-face sticker/label to the box and clear over it.

What is the best type and way to clear coat to protect the label?

Lacquer, Acrylic, Enamel?

Should I brush or spray?

Will I need to scuff the powder coating?

To bake or not to bake??

Suggestions......

[Joe Hart]

I was actually just going to post the same question! So, any ideas, anyone?
-Joe

[theundeadelvis]

Personally, I have used Lacquer with good results. I like the lacquer because it also softens the edges of water slide decals to make them appear seamless. BUT, I'm not sure if there will be any adverse results if you are using a sticker. For example, if you are using an inkjet printer to create the graphics the lacquer may cause the ink to distort, but I can't say for sure.

I used Plastikote Super Lacquer, and I did not sand or scuff the powder coat, and I let it air dry.

[Govmnt_Lacky]

The stickers I use are matte finish and they are printed in color ink from a LASER printer. I color match the background to the color of the powder coat as best I can.

[jkokura]

I use this with great success: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/3/HouseHome/PaintStains/WoodStains/PRD~0489857P/Varathane%252BDiamond%252BExterior%252BFinish%25252C%252BWater-Based.jsp?locale=en

I believe you can get it in a spray can format too.

Jacob

[theundeadelvis]

You should test it first, of course, but I think you'll be find since you're using laser printer toner. I use the laser water slide decals, and the lacquer works great.

[Govmnt_Lacky]

So.... I have a can of Rustoleum (Stops Rust) Crystal Clear ENAMEL and I want to use it to protect my full-fave matte sticker labels. The enclosure is powder coated.

1) Can I use this enamel based clear over powder coat?

2) If I can, do I need to scuff the powder coat for adhesion?

[Pigyboy]

Tough call on this one.  I just had 10 enclosures powder coated and 10 others painted by a local auto body shop.  Juan Ramone from the auto body place says to use an acrylic spray and not enamel. I would not scuff the paint to apply the decal and I definitely would not bake it. I am going to do graphics next week and I use Decal Pro products which are just like screen print graphics.  I will try to post some pictures on this thread with my results.
Question: Are you drilling the boxes first or after they are painted?
Good Luck

[Govmnt_Lacky]

Pigyboy,

It is not a painted enclosure. It is powder coated.

The full face matte sticker is already applied. I know the enamel will not have an adverse effect on the sticker however, I do not know about clear lacquer (which I have as well as the enamel)

I have only seen clear enamel, polyeurathane, and lacquer. Is acrylic one of those or is it a different type of clear coat?

[Pigyboy]

Hey Lacky,
Sorry for the confusion. Juan said the acrylic will be best for both painted and powder coated finishes. I am in Spain and get my paint from the auto parts store. It is an acrylic lacquer. I find it dries hard and fast in the sun where enamel seems to take forever to dry hard without baking it.  Try the lacquer on a test sticker and see what you get.