How long to wait when adding a vinyl stripe over fresh clear coat?

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Might be a dumb questions but when adding a vinyl stripe over new clearcoat how long should the cure time be before I apply the decal? I know some people say clears have to cure for 30-60 days before adding wax or sealants but is it the same for decals?   

[Canadian1968]

Yup 100%

A good general rule of thumb is 3 months or 90 days.  The clear may seem cured even a week after application , but there are still chemical reactions going on that can not be seen. Unless of course your try to seal it in with a wax or large decal or stripe and trap in inside !!!

[hemi-hampton]

I've always said 90 days.  LEON.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Dang...I was hoping to put it on sooner but I'll wait a bit longer and let it cure the full 90 days.

Thanks guys!   

[Nacho-RT74]

I installed my rallye stripes barelly a week after the paint job... never a problem with that.

[oldgold69]

question what did the factory do  I know it was enamel  but is there that much off gassing with clear  over enamel  I want to put a lazer stripe on my torino  they didn't wait at the factory

[Canadian1968]

Well....... you could listen to a couple guys that do this work for a living. OR you can do whatever you want. 

We had a 2012 shelby GT 500 in the shop few months ago,  did the hood and bumper. The two large stripes down the middle had to be removed.    The owner lost his marbles when we suggest not to apply the new decals for 90 days ,  he insisted that we apply them. We waited 3 weeks still, and made it clear we are not responsible if anything happens. He would be paying out of pocket, for the decals and any damaged to the paint when removing them. 

[Nacho-RT74]

Well, I never think on remove it... if I install it is because will stay!

Of course if SOMEBODY thinks on a possible remove job, better wait!

[hemi-hampton]

I installed my rallye stripes barelly a week after the paint job... never a problem with that.

Have you tried to remove them yet?

[hemi-hampton]

looks like your last comment was at the same time as mine. Removing them could be impossible if paint to fresh. the stripes can permanently bond to the paint making them impossible to remove without the paint coming off with it. LEON.

[Nacho-RT74]

Already replied just right before you LOL... why the hell I want to remove it? If I installed is because will stay!

And if I have to fix the body due some damage on a stripe area, will remove and paint again the full piece installing a new stripe again. BTDT twice. I needed the body job anyway!

Actually the paint barelly came off on some tiny spots when removing the stripe for the body job. After the years the stripe is dried anyway, so came off in pieces.

Not saying your are right about wait 90 days IF you think on remove it... but then why install a stripe thinking on remove it later?

[hemi-hampton]

Already replied just right before you LOL... why the hell I want to remove it? If I installed is because will stay!

And if I have to fix the body due some damage on a stripe area, will remove and paint again the full piece installing a new stripe again. BTDT twice. I needed the body job anyway!

Actually the paint barelly came off on some tiny spots when removing the stripe for the body job. After the years the stripe is dried anyway, so came off in pieces.

Not saying your are right about wait 90 days IF you think on remove it... but then why install a stripe thinking on remove it later?

Nobody has to wait 90 days, you can put it over it the next day if you want. If I recommend 90 days you don't have to listen to me.  

[hemi-hampton]

Might be a dumb questions but when adding a vinyl stripe over new clearcoat how long should the cure time be before I apply the decal? I know some people say clears have to cure for 30-60 days before adding wax or sealants but is it the same for decals?   

Natcho say's your good to go in less then a week.

[Nacho-RT74]

LOL... well I'm just sharing my experience with it not saying DO IT ON THAT WAY , but as mentioned I never planned to remove it... why would install it if I planned to remove later?

on a side note, my car wasn't painted on a paint booth or even applied heat on the process... just at the air. In fact the first time my car was painted was on a field LOL

[oldgold69]

I am for waiting  but my question was how did factory  installed stripe  differ or is it just the paint now

[Canadian1968]

There is no comparison of any sort, between the paints used at the factory approx 50 years ago.  Honestly can't think of 1, other than they resemble the same color!  Technology , preparation procedures, application, curing, paint chemistry.  Like comparing apples to........ a rock?

90 day window is given as almost a " worry free" time line.  Depending on when the car leaves the shop, the shop does not know , where the car is kept. Is it inside with controlled conditions ? Is it outside with unpredictable elements?. Maybe its outside but covered ? All these things change how the paint cures.  Honestly if it wasn't that big of a deal why do the paint companies even give guide lines for baking the clear initially ?  If I can go in touch it , and it doesn't leave a noticeable finger print..... GOOD to Go !!! Ohh , and you can also start to wet and sand buff if you need to 

END of the day.... can you put decals on sooner than 90 days...with 0 problems.... you sure can !!!  IF you know what your doing.  These time lines are given to general public, and no insult intended.

[oldgold69]

does all clear coat have to be cured with a light  or can it just air cure  a little off topic  just curious now

[Canadian1968]

Most booth use heated air.   ( slowest cure time ) Some booths have an IR setup ( much faster cure ) And there are a few products that are UV light cured although not very popular right now but this the fastest cure method I have seen so far.

A slower cure is usually more desirable as the finish is usually far superior .