Fresh paint! How long should I wait before installing the decal graphic?

Gulp! The last thing you want to do is get too eager to install your cool new decal, lettering, or graphic and end up ruining your paint.

Paint drying and curing times vary from paint to paint, and even on how the painter sprayed the paint (how much and how many additives were added, how many coats were applied, how long between coat, and… the list goes on). To be sure, double check with the painter. No doubt he has run into this question about his paint jobs before.

General rule is: ‘at least 30 days’. Very rarely, less time than this will work. Usually because extra hardner was added to the paint to speed the curing time. However, we have been told some paint jobs need 90 days to cure before application of the graphics. But, again, the safe bet is to check with the painter – he should know.

Why be concerned about this? During the curing process, the paint will continue to change (shrink and expand and even change chemically) and shed solvents and thinners. If the paint is ‘sealed’ by a graphic before this can happen, undesired results can occur. If the paint is just days old, besides the paint messing up, the graphic may not stay adhered to the surface. If the paint is cured to the touch and appears to be cured, but a strong solvent smell can still be smelled coming off the paint, and a graphic is applied the paint may discolor under the graphic – since the solvents that need to evaporate are now trapped. Of course this is not a problem, as long as the graphic is NEVER removed. But, don’t go this route. Follow the painters instructions and WAIT until you have the green light to apply the graphic to the fresh paint.

SIDE NOTE: Vinyl graphics will never harm the paint – if the paint is cured. Even on un-cured fresh paint, some have gambled and applied the graphics and had no problems. The above information is provided as a precautionary concern.

 

CAUTION: For applying decals on exterior signs that have fresh paint, even more caution is in order. Latex and general oil based paints that are brushed or rolled on are NOT recommended for exterior sign applications. Ideally use a professional sign board. If you have an existing sign and want to freshen it up by painting and applying new lettering and logos, first paint with a high quality automotive paint. Again, do not use rolled on latex or oil based paints. The durability will probably be an issue even in the short-term.

 

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