Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes

[brett]

I made another pretty pedal.  (But I wish my photography was better.)  
Anyway, it's made with a diecast box, powdercoated, laser decal and auto clear coat.  Only problem is that the top coat and decal are a bit fragile.  If I dig with my fingernail, I can scrape the decal and topcoat off. :cry:

So, does anybody know of a clear coat that is super tough and will protect that decal?  Oh yeah, polyurethane melts the decals (I think?).

[phillip]

Clear glossy lacquer is what I use...haven't had any problems with it coming off easily either and the laser decals are pretty well sealed under it.

Phillip

[brett]

Spray or paint?  Any brand name or product details so that I get the right thing?

thanks

[R.G.]

Emron - catalyzed polyurethane spray paint.

Toxic to spray, demanding, need special equipment, but hard as nails.

Make a buddy in the car or boat refinishing business.

[Fret Wire]

This works nice, tough as nails: clear, epoxy based aerosol:

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=1117&title=ALUMA-HYDE+II

[brett]

Looking up lacquer on the web, it seems that most references are to clear acrylic auto paints (which is what I've been using).  Maybe I need to lightly heat the box and decal to minimise any residual moisture in the decal or it's glue.  I *think* that I'm getting separation between the decal and the box, not between the gloss coat and the decal.  

The other option is maybe to put it on thicker (ie more coats).  At present, it's a fairly thin coat made up of 3 "mist" coats (ie totalling much less than 1/32"think).

cheers

[brett]

Wow! you guys are fast.  Thanks heaps!!  Both the Emron and Epoxy sound great.

[thumposaurus]

I've used clear powdercoat over top of waterslide decals, you just have to make sure the decal can survive in the oven while the powder cures.

[dosmun]

I used a Polyurethane ( Ace Hardware brand) over both Decals and T-shirt Transfers and it worked great with NO problems.

[mikeb]

Brett, do post here if you find something that works. I've been using clear gloss paint for years, and while it *does* provide protection the 'gloss' part means fingerprints show up like no-body's business.

Mike

[troubledtom]

Brett, do post here if you find something that works. I've been using clear gloss paint for years, and while it *does* provide protection the 'gloss' part means fingerprints show up like no-body's business.

Mike

well mike,
if you'd stop touching the box and just plug it in to use. you wouldn't have that problem
      peace my brother,
               - tom

[Sonny ReVerb]

Hi All,

I'm pretty sure the brand is 'Imron'; made by Dupont. They use it on some airplanes as well, so it must be tough!

Sonny