Decals over or under clearcoat

Pretty sure the term "lacquer" is in reference to clear coat, not actual lacquer paint.

When spraying over decals it's important to allow them to outgas for a couple of days before clearing. Then be sure to go over the entire tank with some wax and grease remover before painting. First coat over the decals should be a "dry" layer. After some flash time go a little heavier with the next pass. I slowly build up but avoid heavy wet coats because that's where the risk of lifting comes in.

BTW, a gray scotchbrite pad works good to flatten the clear and prep the surface for decals and/or the final clear layers.

Apologies for the delay but here are the pics of a stock 82 GPz750 tank and tail piece. The side covers and front fender do not have decals. At least not in the US. Sun damage...arrrghhh

My 83 550 decal is under clear coat on all the panels . Front, tank, side covers, tail .

Hey thanks ajsfirehawk . your tank and tail piece looks like the 81 model,
My 82 must be clearcoated as well If riturbo's 83 is
Guess it will last longer if I get it right.

I painted my tank, side covers and tail with a red Chrysler color, put the stripes and side cover badges on and clear coated with the 2K MAX stuff. Finish is like a mirror and hard as rock. Gas resistant. Turned out pretty good.

Turned out GREAT! Beautiful bike! Ed

Looks excellent. Well done. I'm a huge fan of the SprayMax 2K Glamour coat. It looks very professional.

My 84-85 GPz550 Decals had clear over them from the factory. Reproduction Decals, or AFE Graphics states their decals can be cleared over. Had a set of their decals on a tank without clear, and the a gas spillage killed the graphic. Never again! Also rubbing from pants and boots on the side covers and tank will protect them, by clearing over the decals.

Here's a closeup of the tank stripes.

Really nice work.

All ready for clear coating. the paint MSDS called for 800 grit abrasive paper But with all the edges i went with a 800-1000 sanding sponge and the gray scotchbrite pad that was recommended

Nice, I thought the gray scotchbrite was equivalent to 600 grit. No?