Poly Over a Sticker

[double.d]

I have been asked to make an urn and the client wants me to adhere a sticker of the British flag on the lid and then coat the box with poly.
Just wondering if anyone has coated over a sticker of any kind before and if paper based sticker would be ok or will a PVC or similar substrate be required.

[Enfield Guy]

Can't see any reason why it wouldn't work. How hard would it be to do a test, not very. Give her a go old mate, see what happens.

[Cleokitty]

Would it be better to coat the surface with poly first, then place the sticker, then recoat? That way the sticker is sandwiched between the polyy coats. As Enfield Guy says, do a test piece first. Good luck with it.

[pictureman]

It will need to be paper but be careful the poly will bleed through the paper.

[Cleokitty]

I don't have anything handy to test this theory on a paper sticker right at this moment but my 'go to' with tricky coating issues is to isolate the difficult surface, both sides, with a thin coat of either clear acrylic spray (from a rattle can) or clear shellac. After the item is sealed it can be recoated to build up protection. (Shellac is also available in spray cans now).

Krylon Acrylic Clear is one I've used for years. White Knight is another available locally but I haven't used that one. Mainly I've used it to isolate normally-incompatible surfaces, such as painting acrylic over oil, which won't work without a barrier such as an acrylic spray or shellac, the old traditional choice. Hope that helps, but do test first.

I'm suggesting the sticker be spray-coated, both sides, before placing on the host surface between coats of poly.

[double.d]

Thanks guys, never thought of giving it a test go . Anyway client has not accepted my quote yet so may not happen.

[Xanthorrhoeas]

I have seen major problems when a self-adhesive sticker has been over coated. If the solvent in the finish dissolves the adhesive on the sticker it looks awful and can even lift/move. As pictureman and Cleokitty have said, the material of the 'flag' and the combination with the finish will need careful testing. One suggestion for you would be to seal the 'flag' with shellac first as most finishes are very compatible with shellac. You would also quickly find out if the shellac was going to affect the 'flag'.

[Handyjack]

Definately do a test first. You may also find that your finish will effect the colour, for example white will yellow. Do multiple tests at the same time to find the best end result. Yes it does cost $ and is time consuming but it is better than having a disaster on the finished customer piece.

[Cleokitty]

As xanthorrhoeas suggests, the adhesive may cause a problem. If you could remove that first with some solvent on a Q-tip the outcome might be more predictable.

Collage artists and decoupage crafters use a variety of materials such as gloss acrylic medium, PVA glue and something called decoupage and collage gel; the latter I've never used.

It would be interesting to know what works, if your commission goes ahead.

[Enfield Guy]

I certainly would not be using something with an adhesive back. I would want quality paper, quality printing and nothing else to interfere with the process. Good quality printing at home may produce good results. Lazer or ink jet is a choice, along with professional printing. Experiment, find a good solution. It is there to be had.

[double.d]

Thanks again gents, the client has confirmed the order and i have made the box today. It is an urn for his m.i.l and he wants the British flag on the lid. Personally i think it will look awful so given the mixed replies and what seems like a time consuming trial and likely error effort i think i will tell him it is out of my league and instead suggest i inlay a badge in the lid instead.

The other factor is that he needs it before the anniversary next weekend so i really do not have the time to experiment.

David

[Enfield Guy]

A good solution given the circumstances.

[Cleokitty]

Er.... not a gent, but the inlay would look far classier than the stick-on decoration. Inlay can be successfully coloured if necessary.

I wouldn't say it's out of your league, just give him your honest opinion, that you think it wouldn't do justice to the sincerity of the sentiment that prompted the decision to commission the box. Inlay, on the other hand would be a classic way to honour the m.i.l.'s heritage. (Well, if that's your honest opinion, I think that's what I'd offer.)