Bedplate decal advice

[debndunk]

Can anyone give me some advice?
I am having my Triumph bedplate painted and have bought new water slide decal, is there anything I should do to protect the decal after positioning it?
Thanks Gordon.

[Lucius1958]

Several coats of shellac would be a good idea - plus, it would help to hide the edges of the decal.

Bill

[debndunk]

Hi Bill,
Thanks for that, I thought I had heard that before but I wasn't sure. This may sound dim but is that all over the bed plate or just over the decal? and what is the best way to apply the shellac?
Thanks again for your help Gordon.

[martinola]

Hi Gordon.
I'm not Bill, but I would do the whole bedplate with overcoats of shellac. That's how they were originally prepared. As Bill said, the extra coats will allow you to sand and smooth, thereby hiding the edge of the decals. Good luck with the project!
- Martin

[debndunk]

Hi Martin,
Thanks for the info, it's being painted with car body paint, I know that Asphaltum is best but I couldn't find it in the UK. I took it to many places and no one could tell me the best paint to use until one place said they would give it many coats of car body paint. I don't know if shellac will work over car paint? Thanks Gordon.

[martinola]

Hi Gordon.
As long as the solvent for the autobody paint isn't alcohol, you should be fine. Just make sure that the paint has cured really well and that you've tested it on an obscure area (like the underside of the bedplate if that's getting painted too). I'll be interested in seeing your "after" photos.
- Martin

[debndunk]

Thanks Martin
I'll give it a go. The Triumph was a total wreck when I got it, when it's finished I'll put some pic's on to so how it's turned out.
Thanks for you'r advice, Gordon.