Getting my tank and fenders powdercoated and clear laquered, was wondering how I would go about putting 'letters' on the tank. I would like to either hand paint letters or stick a decal on the side. Would the powder need to be treated with some thinners and would I be able to add more clear laquer when finished ? Hope you all can understand what i'm trying to say, lol...b.

 

If you're adding the lettering after the tank is powder coated and clear coated, you should be able to scuff the clear, paint the lettering, and clear coat the whole tank again. I think that would be the best approach. If you go with a decal, I would avoid clear coat on the decal because of possible adhesion problems down the road, but it can be done. Ideally, you would do the lettering after the base coat on the tank, then clear coat once.

 

Thank you Nelz ! Just the info I was looking for !...b.

 

My advice - get vinyl letters and put over the powder coat, then leave it be. Any clear, particularly lacquer is a major step back words regarding durability. additionally, prepping the powder coat for clear would be a rather larger under taking. Other option is to skip the powder coat (usually that coating is reserved for frames, swing arms etc). Apply a urethane base coat, apply lettering either vinyl or painted stencils (reversed vinyl sticker) then bury it in an activated clear coat.

 

mr. coe makes a excellent suggestion. i have done it his way many times.
powder is an epoxy (they do have many formulations) and heat set. but being an epoxy, it is highly resistant to external influences. one word of caution is the clear powder with solvent like gasoline and HEAT, it will yellow over time.
it is possible to powder the lettering also, but really tricky.

 

Here is a tank that is all powder

 

Just went with putting my tank badges back on...b.