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DIY Stompboxes => Building your own stompbox => Topic started by: brett on April 27, 2004, 09:49:07 PM

Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: brett on April 27, 2004, 09:49:07 PM
I made another pretty pedal. :D  (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?).

(http://members.optusnet.com.au/~jethro.dog/mypic126.jpg)
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: phillip on April 27, 2004, 10:07:19 PM
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
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: brett on April 27, 2004, 10:10:55 PM
Spray or paint?  Any brand name or product details so that I get the right thing?

thanks
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: R.G. on April 27, 2004, 10:15:40 PM
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.
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: Fret Wire on April 27, 2004, 10:17:43 PM
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
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: brett on April 27, 2004, 10:20:11 PM
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
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: brett on April 27, 2004, 10:25:29 PM
Wow! you guys are fast.  Thanks heaps!!  Both the Emron and Epoxy sound great.
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: thumposaurus on April 27, 2004, 11:46:02 PM
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.
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: dosmun on April 28, 2004, 08:22:41 AM
I used a Polyurethane ( Ace Hardware brand) over both Decals and T-shirt Transfers and it worked great with NO problems.
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: mikeb on April 28, 2004, 05:56:04 PM
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
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: troubledtom on April 28, 2004, 07:48:58 PM
Quote from: mikebBrett, 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 :P
      peace my brother,
               - tom
Title: Anybody got a REALLY tough clear coat for boxes
Post by: Sonny ReVerb on April 29, 2004, 06:15:41 AM
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
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