I plan to age the decal with stain, lightly sand the tank and apply additional coats of clear. I’d be concerned about sanding the edges of a vinyl decal, as you could easily tear / damage it.

 

love the tank dont like the decals i bet you could find some cool retro ones on e-bay...good work old boy..

 

this is what i was thinking about http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fb...type=1&theater

 

The ones I've installed will blend in real nice once done ... stay tuned

 

I like that idea, however I think you'll have a hard time getting stains to stick to the clear or the plastic. I would use an oil based paint maybe throw some dirt in.
Put the paint on with a brush then use a dry brush to brush it off.
Great project keep it coming.
Is the clear a lacquer?

 

Can't wait to see this on the bike. You going to do all the tins this way?

 

Hell yeah! Thanks a lot man! I'm gonna use that method to rust my fender this weekend! Looks awesome!

 

“I like that idea, however I think you'll have a hard time getting stains to stick to the clear or the plastic.”

I used a small amount of Minwax. Adhered just fine to the clear.

“Can't wait to see this on the bike. You going to do all the tins this way?”

Yes, rear fender is very small and I will eventually get to that. Likely be next week before I install the tank, as I still need to replace my intake manifold seals.

“Hell yeah! Thanks a lot man! I'm gonna use that method to rust my fender this weekend! Looks awesome!”

Yup … pretty damn cool. Read about this method on a Rat-Rod site and thought I’d give it a try.

Here is a pic I just took with the decal aged using Minwax. Need to give the tank another 24 hours before sealing again tomorrow afternoon.

 

So... Just spray some bleach, then some vinegar and let it sit?

 

No wiping or drying?