My first attempt at adding decals to a decorative thread wrap has encountered a problem. Either the decals were contaminated, or I contaminated the area of application. The finish has 'fish-eyed' in the area of the decals. The rod is rotating while the marred finish dries. I've reviewed the topic. I have some acetone, and understand that it is not a good idea to try to use a solvent to clean the area. I couldn't locate any appropriate Scotch-Brite abrasive, so I acquired some 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper. My tentative plan is to lightly sand the defective area after it has dried about a day. Then I'll wipe it off and apply another coat of finish. Is there truly nothing I could use to wash off the contaminants? I hate to sand, because I don't wish to sand the surface of the decal, which partly refused to accept finish. Any appropriate advice would be greatly appreciated.

By way of thanks, I'd like to share my experience with Sulky Metallic White (142 7021) Thread. I wrapped a double diamond decorative wrap in nylon using the aforementioned white and FishHawk regular nylon navy (066). When the epoxy finish hit the wrap, the blue and white were bright and clear over the white blank. The white thread picked up a beautiful pale, translucent blue-green color where it crossed over the navy colored thread. I'd encourage anyone interested to test or experiment with wrapping the white metallic over colored regular nylon thread, using no color preserver. I posted a pic of the wrap.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/14/2012 04:20PM by Jim Kinkennon.

Jim, If you think you can very lightly scuff the surface without damaging the decal then go a head. Then wipe the area with a paper towel moistened with distilled water (no solvents) dry off, remove dust particles with the sticky side of a piece of masking tape, then apply another coat of finish. If you don't wish to scuff the surface, then just clean the area as instructed, this has worked for me with contamaniation issues whether i have scuffed or not.

Jersey, Channel Islands. (U.K.)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/14/2012 06:07PM by Steve Mcleod.

Thanks very much. I'll try the distilled water, and see if that won't do it.

Hi Jim,
did you use home made decals?
Because in this case, maybe the varnish you sprayed to fix the colours isn't recommended with your finish?

These are store bought (Mud Hole). I have no reason to believe there's a thing wrong with them. I might have gotten something on them by handling them.