Clear Coat

malamoney

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I recently finished spraying a cab gold with a couple of rattle cans. I actually really like the way it came out. I'm wondering if I should now give it a clear coat. Will that help protect the gold color? If so, would you go gloss, matte, etc...?

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance...
 
This is what I like to use. You can sand in between coats (fine grit) to make it perfect. The more coats you use the "deeper" it looks.
 

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You use this on top of rattle cans?

Also, if I plan to put some vinyl decorations on the side, would this go over that?

Sorry for the potentially dumb questions...
 
You use this on top of rattle cans?

Also, if I plan to put some vinyl decorations on the side, would this go over that?

Sorry for the potentially dumb questions...

You can definitely use it over rattle can paint. It's good over oil or water based paint despite being water soluble.
I'm really not sure about over vinyl. I would think that if you used something super fine to scuff the vinyl but not dull the artwork (scotch brite grey pad maybe?) then there wouldn't be an adhesion problem.
There is also adhesion promoters that are supposedly top notch but I haven't used yet Bulldog adhesion promoter
 
You use this on top of rattle cans?



Also, if I plan to put some vinyl decorations on the side, would this go over that?



Sorry for the potentially dumb questions...



Interesting, do you spray this on on paint with roller or brush? I've used polyurethane on furniture etc and love how it turns out but never tried it with something super flat like an arcade side
 
Interesting, do you spray this on on paint with roller or brush? I've used polyurethane on furniture etc and love how it turns out but never tried it with something super flat like an arcade side


I've only applied it with a brush. I think a roller would invite too many bubbles. I theorized about putting it over vinyl because of OP's questions but it's really designed for stained wood.
I have had good results over painted wood though.
This water based stuff dries fast, doesn't smell, and is easy to clean up.
I'm going to try thinning it and spraying it through an hvlp gun next.
 
I recently finished spraying a cab gold with a couple of rattle cans. I actually really like the way it came out. I'm wondering if I should now give it a clear coat. Will that help protect the gold color? If so, would you go gloss, matte, etc...?

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance...

Ok..

Yes , your gonna want to clearcoat over rattle can gold.
For some reason , the rattle can gold leaves dark marks after a while of touching it too much
with bare hands.

Just buy rattle can clearcoat .. you dont need an HVLP and all that other crazy shit to
lock in the color coat.


paint, dry,, paint ,, dry.. build your color up even .
block it lightly with a scotchbrite.
wipe it down.

Lay the machine on its side... clear coat one thin coat and give it 15 mins.
hit it again.
Let that dry. use some water and another scotchbrite and block it .
Dry it off... clear coat it again.

2 cans of clear coat should do it.
 
I've been able to take advantage of the super dry weather up here in New England and been applying coats of Polycrylic which is a water-based satin polyurethane on parts of my cabinet. Mostly the particle board back door which the polycrylic soaked in and helped harden and solidify the back door. Makes it easier to handle since the edges don't crumble apart now. Dried super quick and I also am using that to put a smooth coat over the exposed wood where I've had to strip off old artwork.
 
If you put that polyurethane over the vinyl....it will eventually flake off.

I'm not recommending that use I was just answering the OP's question. I will eventually try it on vinyl with Bulldog adhesion promoter. That's what makes paint and clear stick to plastic bumpers.
 
Ok..

Just buy rattle can clearcoat .. you dont need an HVLP and all that other crazy shit to
lock in the color coat.

No one was suggesting he use an hvlp spray gun. I apply it with a brush. We're all talking here and I will apply it eventually with an hvlp because you can put on crazy thin coats that way.
 
Some polys yellow over time with or without uv exposure... Just fyi

It definitely would yellow if it's in direct sunlight for long periods of time. I figured it was a safe possibility considering his cabinet is gold.
 
I've used Polycrylic on a lot of stuff. I would think it should be fine for an arcade cab sprayed with regular rattle can paint. I don't see the point in spending on auto clearcoat (even if you're just brushing on, that stuff is not exactly cheap).

Edit: I usually go with satin, but I don't know if we're talking reflective gold or what.
 
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The issue would be thr vinyl. Have a custom print done, and clear coat it with an automotive clear.


I have been toying with a custom pacman... But the money for that project is years away.
 
Well, yeah, but he asked if the vinyl decorations should go over or under. It isn't a pinball playfield, just put them over.

Edit: Come to think of it, I've seen pin playfields with poor quality vinyl stickers that were clear coated and it can go very bad (bleeding, colors leeching out). So that could also be a concern.
 
I've used Polycrylic on a lot of stuff. I would think it should be fine for an arcade cab sprayed with regular rattle can paint. I don't see the point in spending on auto clearcoat (even if you're just brushing on, that stuff is not exactly cheap).

Edit: I usually go with satin, but I don't know if we're talking reflective gold or what.

I initially used the minwax water based oil modified polyurethane on custom made speakers I built. After seeing the results I've branched out on what I'll try it on.
You're right comparing it in price to automotive clear it's very cheap. There are videos of project with people spraying the poly and I can't wait to try it.
I wouldn't use the oil based stuff though because it takes forever to dry, smells horrible, and doesn't clean up easily.
The satin looks great too. I just think gloss when I think gold. :)
 
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