How to Clear-Coat Decals

by Kristie Lorette

Eagle image by Alexandr Shebanov from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

When you add decals to your motorcycle or other vehicle as décor, you will want to add a clear coat over the top of the decal. Clear coating helps to protect the decal from peeling, cracking or sustaining other damage from exposure to the elements. With a few materials and a little of your time, you can clear-coat decals yourself.

Step 1

Wipe down the area where you are applying the decal with a clean, dry cloth. You should remove any dirt, dust and debris from the surface. This allows the decal to sit flat and adhere to the area.

Step 2

Install each decal on the motorcycle or other vehicle. Rub the decal with your fingers or the cloth to work out any air bubbles or creases so that it lies flat. Allow the decal to sit overnight.

Step 3

Wipe the decal off with a dry, clean cloth. This is to remove any dust, dirt and other debris before you apply the clear coating.

Step 4

Prepare the clear coating. Follow the directions on the packaging to prepare the automotive urethane.

Step 5

Add one light coat of clear automotive urethane to the decal. Wait about 10 minutes for the first coat to dry. Then apply a second light coat. Wait another 10 minutes.

Step 6

Apply another coat, this time a bit thicker than the original two coats. Wait 10 minutes.

Step 7

Apply another semi-thick coat. Allow the clear coating to dry overnight for at least 24 hours.

Step 8

Sand the clear coating over the decal. Do not sand the paint job around the decal or rub so hard that you sand through the decal. Your goal is to create a flat, thin coat of clear coating.