Applying decals and fresh paint

[r65lsk75c]

I'm about half-way done with painting my '82 R65LS. I purchased new "r65ls" decals for the front and real cowl pieces and am wondering about the best method for applying them. Since I am spraying basecoat/clearcoat, I could apply basecoat, then the decals and them spray the clear. Or, I could apply basecoat, a coat or two of clear, then the decals and finally another two coats of clear. Does anyone have any experience and/or recommendations?

I am also a bit uncertain about the decals themselves. They are stamped with a 3M logo and seem to peel apart leaving the decal stuck to one side. Does this get applied to the part and then the top layer is pulled off. Any thoughts before I destroy one of these beauties at $15 a pop!

Thanks,
Rick T.

[riderR1150GSAdv]

In the interest of keeping your paint job nice I would apply at least one or two coats of clearcoat before appying the decals. The reason is that the pigment coat has no built in protection against water, weather/UV, abration, etc. If the decals are applied over the basecoat the chances of weather getting underneath and wrecking the paint job are good.
You can apply some coats over the decals but you have to be sure that these can't delaminate and take a piece of clearcoat with them. Some decals have a clear plastic coating over them designed to be removed prior to clearcoating. Whoever supplied you the decals may know.
Just my 0.02 cts. :wave

[lkchris]

They are stamped with a 3M logo and seem to peel apart leaving the decal stuck to one side. Does this get applied to the part and then the top layer is pulled off.

Yes.

Kind of allows you to use masking tape to position the decal.

Position decal as you wish, then tape it to the bike, vertical strip to top of decal.

"Hinge" decal up, remove backing and hinge down to stick into place.

Remove tape; remove top cover of decal.

One or two "hinges" depending on size of decal.

Practice makes perfect.