Automotive painting --- re-finishing bodywork etc

So im also getting ready to paint a 1988 4runner. It has some large decals that are going on after paint, does anyone know how long after painting to wait to apply decals? I was thinking about calling a couple shops to see if they might let me pay them to bake / cure the paint for me.

@Tacotim0321 @Scouterdad any input?

This is what the 4 runner looks like, the decals im talking about are the large stripes above wheels

 

I usually put the decals on a day after paint. If you want to wait a few days to be comfortable then that's fine. I wouldn't spend the money to have it baked....

 

Just saw this thread. I did paint & body work for a couple of years as an apprentice/helper for a family friend. But my knowledge is 30 years old now. We mainly did lacquer and enamel, but occasionally some of the more modern paints like Glasurit, Sikkens, and Imron.

The answer to this question depends a lot on what paint you are using, possibly how it is mixed, and environmental conditions. Lacquer cures super quickly, so if you can sand and buff it you can apply decals. Other enamels and synthetics that are multi-part can be mixed in different ways for environmental conditions, so cure time will vary and can be much longer. We painted a '65 Corvette with Imron once, and it sat in the booth under heat lamps for a week before we felt it was cured enough (you could press a fingerprint into it for several days -- my fingerprints are all over the bottom of the rocker panels of that car). Whatever paint you are using should list cure times, though. Applying decals after fully cured should be fine.

 

Thanks for the responses. Heres the clear im using



Degreasing now then masking, hoping to spray in a couple hours should be about 65 degrees. Wish me luck!

 

Cool project! Not a lot of info on that paint (no longer listed on the Speedokote site), but there's an Amazon listing that shows the label, and it says wait 24 hours to buff if air drying. Assuming you have cool overnight temps, I'd personally give it 48 hours before applying decals.

 

Hey sorry Ive been away awhile boys,exorcist I love how the Landcruizer turned out!
I agree with Tacotime I would wait a 3 - 4 days to make sure your clearcoat is gassed off.
Unless your going to actually spray it in a booth.
good luck, you'll do fine!

 

Thanks!

Everything went well with the spraying on wednesday. Have been doing finishing work and reassembly last few days while I have had the time. Heading over to the vinyl shop this week to talk about the vinyl so hoping shes all done this week and I can get some pictures up.