I like the look of the sticker-covered roof rack fairing, but everyone seems to do that so I wanted something a little more original. So I commissioned my coworker to do this:





Here's the thing, we're trying to figure out what the best method is for clear coating the whole fairing. I was thinking some sort of glossy resin applied with a paint brush, but I thought I'd ask for some opinions from some people who may have done something like this before with success.

 

Why not just use spray clear coat for metals\plastics by the spray can section?
No brush strokes, but practice first because acrylic clear coat dries much faster than spray can paint and you could end up 'dry spraying' the board giving it a dull finish.

 

uv stable clear bra? that'll adhere cleanly and protect from chips better than clear coat. just be sure to clear coat first, let dry thoroughly and then apply clear bra

 

^^ I'd be afraid of the adhesive messing up the paint when trying to get out bubbles though

 

The issue we foresaw was whether or not the clear coat and/or resin would melt the paint marker. Apparently, there are some resins out there that heat up when applied in order to create better adhesion. In that case, it would make the paint bleed and completely destroy the art.

 

just coat it in 3m spray glue a couple of times, its the poor mans clear coat. I used to use it on painted RC plane parts that would take a lot of debris strikes and it was pretty good at keeping the paint on.

I've used it on all kinds of other **** too, and the only concern you might have is eventual flaking which could peel the paint also. I suppose you could do a layer of the 3m glue and then clear coat over that?

what about getting a sheet of 3m clearbra and applying that?

and no, i dont work for 3m....

 

^ Doesn't 3m spray glue stay tacky?

 

IMO just a spray clear. Go to your local smoke shop(if they have graffiti stuff) and pick up some Montana Gold gloss or matte clear coat.

 

basic clear spraypaint from walmart will work you just have to properly match the clear coat to the markers used. if he used oil based markers then use oil based enamel clear(like rustoleum) or laquer based, if he used waterbased markers then acrylic or acrylic enamel clear will work. otherwise you run a risk of a chemical reaction between the two paints and will cause cracking in the clear.

 

This is exactly what I would do.

Talk to Krinkov. I'm sure he can help with information on how it would work.

Clear coat is fine but it'll eventually wear and chip... and it will do it QUICK. You have to realize how much crap hits those things. They take a beating.

I would clear coat it and cover it with clear bra if you care about it lasting.

 

He used Sharpie paint markers; I believe that they are oil-based

 

throw some rustoleum laquer clear on there and you should be fine. then you can do the 3m clear vinyl as well if you wish.

Walmart.com: Rust-Oleum Specialty Laquer Spray, Clear: Paint & Home Decor

 

i just got quoted at $60 by a shop in Belmont to wrap it. That seems high. Anyone recommend another place that would do it for cheaper (around Palo Alto)?

 

I agree with putting some sort of clear vinyl over it like the clear armor
BTW that was a great idea looks pretty cool.

 

I agree, I think vinyl is the best way to go. I'm going to spray it with automotive clear coat first, then I gotta find a place that'll wrap it for a reasonable price. I'm open to suggestions for places that wrap well for a good price