Topic: fuel proofing vynil graphics

quick one!! sorted the vynil graphics set for my glens 30% cap232 (something different)
but the supplier says that as they are printed vynil I will need to fuel proof them? so whats the best way? I dont want yellow them etc, or make them look like plastic stickers just clagged on?

cheers KW

If it's printed vinyl, then they should of laminated them for you, which would of made them fuel proof. The laminate used for printed vinyl is a clear vinyl rather than the laminating pouches that most people think of. The other way of doing it would be to clear coat the model after they have been applied, that would give a really nice finish and wouldn't look like stickers just smacked on.

JT

While laminated printed vinyl graphics would have helped your situation it is not the only or the best way to go.
Laminated graphics are generally cut tight to the image which leaves a raw edge for fuel to eventually get under and start the de-lamination process. You may be better off to apply the graphics and then clear coat them including the edges. Most printed vinyl graphics today are printed with solvent based digital inks. So it is NOT a good idea to initially clear coat them with a solvent based clear coat as this usually results in wetting the ink and can cause runs or smears. I would suggest that you clear coat first with a latex or water based clear coat to seal the graphic and then add a solvent based clear over that to improve fuel resistance. Unless you are running a gasser in which case just a couple of coats of the latex clear coat will do the job.

Any recommendations for the type/make of clear coat to use?  Would a water based clear varnish be any good?

Yak54.

i tried clearcote on my vynil graphics on midair molly, no job, thin cyno wicked around the edge is meant to work if you can avoid the whiting

are you lot trying that experiment where you spell a word with all the correct letters but not necessarily in  the right order

well got me graphics and more than a few metre's of toughlon saw my glens 30% cap covered ( bet Steve Webb wondered who wanted so much of one colour and bright orange at that?) quite pleased with the result only the cowl to paint now got a decent match made at halfords ( see tail cover ) a little different from all the white and turquoise caps about. still not 100% made my mind up on toughlon yet not as easy to work with as profilm but you get a lot more for your money

one thing this cap has taught me is that I will not go back to a kit and cover yourself for anything other than say one of my hostetler builds where I cant get arf, its just NOT worth it cost wise.

cheers KW