Topic: Time to paint the bowtie!

[ChevyGuyNC]

Well, the bug has finally bitten, and since I've got all this time to fill, I've decided to take the plunge and paint the bowtie.  I'm thinking gloss black, with a small '3' Dale Earnhardt decal I picked up. 

I've read several threads, and it seems like Krylon Fusion is the way to go. 

So... for those who've done it... what kind of prep to the bowtie beyond cleaning?  Scuff, sand?  What grit?

How many coats?  Sand in between?  Clear it before the decal and after, or just after? 

Any info is most appreciated.

[bluedevil]

I never done this...

This is OBB's quote:

lightly sand it and then light coats of primer and paint (sanding with 1000 grit between coats) until you have your color and then clear over top with a wet sanding clear.

[bluedevil]

Strobin01 added a Monster power drink decal on his.  I wonder if it still holding up due to the chemicals the clear coat may have.

[Ski Edition]

I'm not the guru by any means, but I have always painted the bowtie, let it cure for a couple of days and put the decal on.  I have had problems denting the paint if I did it any sooner.  Make sure that all corners of the decal are applied firmly.  I usually wait another 24 hours and go over the decal again to make sure it is flat.  I've had problems with the decal wanting to curl up on the ends if not applied firmly.  I then shoot several light coats of clear and let it dry.  I like to spray the last coat in the sun to make sure it is even and let it bake on.  This process seems to work for me.  Believe me this process has been refined through a lot of trial and a lot of errors.  Good luck!!

[bluedevil]

How did it go?