Clear coat / Decals..

[Charles Gresham]

I am in process of clear coating my watermelon tank and was wondering the pro / con's of applying the tank decal and clear coating over it or applying after I have finished clear coat .. thanks

1974 Penton 250 Hare Scrambler
1973 Honda CL 100
1978 Suzuki RM 125
1983 Honda XL 185
1993 Yamaha RT 180

[Kip Kern]

I have done tanks both ways, all depends on what you prefer.  Originals were painted/gel coated, and then decals were placed on the tanks.

[Charles Gresham]

Thanks Kip !

1974 Penton 250 Hare Scrambler
1973 Honda CL 100
1978 Suzuki RM 125
1983 Honda XL 185
1993 Yamaha RT 180

[David Laite]

I was toying with the idea, any chance that the clear coat will attack the vinyl causing it to crawl? Thanks, David.

1973 Penton Six Day
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1984 Husqvarna 400WR
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R

[454MRW]

David,
Usually an enamel type clear coat will not affect the decals, however some Lacquer type may. Bear in mind that without internally coating your tank with a product like POR-15 Clear, there is a very high probability that the clear coat will bubble over time if you use a gas with alchohol additive. I coat all my tanks on the inside now with POR-15 clear, and am considering offering the service to POG members. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[gooddirt]

If you want a look of gel-coat go with PPG brand paint, their good stuff is the single stage(no clear coat){high gloss} DCC label. It dries fast and can be easily  buffed and blended if a repair or repaint is needed. I think a clear coat is a waste of time if you want the stock look of gel-coat. LG