Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2004

Painting Over Decals

Q. I am painting a motorcycle tank with a dark metallic blue and am curiuos if I can mist over decals to create a "ghost" effect. I was thinking of putting two or three coats on then applying silver flame decals and lightly misting a final coat before applying my clear coat. Have you heard of this or know how it might look?

A. I have not heard or seen any of the artistic effects stated in you question and that has very little meaning to the end result. Using a little imagination, I perceive misting the paint over the decal would add a level of dimension and depth to the decal.

I hope you have a couple extra decals where you can create some trial and error testing.

Best regards,

Tom Burke