Clear-Coat for a project:

[Captain D]

Hi all,

During an event this July, I am looking to get some additional signatures on my 69' Charger's SEMs vinyl dyed sun-visors. Anyhow, when all said and done after the event, I'm thinking about getting my visors clear-coated to prevent any of the signatures from fading. Now, I've seen a spray clear-coat at local places, such as True-Value and even Walmart. But, before I risk spraying the signatures, have you ever done something like this before? If so, what would your best guess be product-wise and application? Any idea what is compatible with the visor material? Thank you for any and all insight...

[Dino]

SEM color coat takes a variety of clears, they have their own so I'd go with that. The question is what will the visors be signed with and would it react with clear? Probably not but to be safe grab a scrap piece of whatever, spray it with the SEM color you used on the visors and when you have the visors signed use the same pen to scribble on the scrap piece. Once home experiment with a few clears and see if it reacts or not.

You could just bring your own paint pen for the signer to use. Those don't fade easily to begin with and you can clear them all day long. I'd use a matte or satin clear though, visors would look horrible in gloss.

[alfaitalia]

Clear coating anything will not prevent fade...that happens due to exposure to sunlight. You need to keep light to a minimum to keep it bright looking. Clear coat will, however, stop it wearing away due to constant contact with fingers etc.

[Dino]

A good clear has UV blocker so it should slow down fading significantly.

[Captain D]

Thank you gentlemen for your replies + tips. Absolutely - after I had posted, I actually found a spare SEM's vinyl dyed visor that will be my guinea pig. The signatures were signed with a black sharpie (except one, which was a blue colored sharpie). So, I'll sign my 'John Hancock' and try a SEMs clear-coat and see what happens. Fortunately, the actors only signed 'underneath' of the visor so it's not exposed to the light very much with the exception of car shows periodically throughout the summer season.

Thank you again and I'll post results just as soon as I can...
Best regards,
Aaron   

[oldcarnut]

For my own experience, Petty signed my stainless dash plate above the glovebox.  I clear coated it and it caused the paint marker it was signed with to fade out.  It's almost a ghost sig. now until a light is shined on it and then it shows up good.