Can you paint over a clear coat?

So I am building a new bike and a friend who works at a paint and body shop did the painting and put a clear coat on the top. I was going to add some decorations of my own and wanted to know if it is possible to paint over a clear coat without removing the current paint job? If so, what type of paint would need to be used?

Hi,

Usually that is not advisable.
The common way when repainting a vehicle with a basecoat paint (paint plus clearcoat) is to sand the clearcoat, paint and apply the clearcoat again.
Anyway, you'll have to sand it so that you get a matt surface, otherwise you'll have adhesion problems. Start sanding with a microfine abrasive, like the 2600 or 2601 from 3M, or the scothc-brite 7448 (these are references used in Europe, don't know about USA).
It's also important to degrease before applying the paint.
After applying the paint, usually the clearcoat is applied after 10 to 20 minutes so that there's a bond. If one waits too long, there's an insuficient bond between paint and clearcoat.
But don't wait less than you should, otherwise the paint thinner won't evaporate.
Mind that the paint will have to be basecoat, and not direct glow. and compatible with the clearcoat that you'll aplly.
This is how things are usually done.
If you want to just apply some paint over the clearcoat, you c an do it, but it won't adhere well. Unless maybe if you use a glass paint.
If you have any doubt you may contact me.

Kind regards,

Jos茅 http://theartabuser.blogspot.com

must find out what clear coat is made of, if oil or water based and use same type. but if art is made by artist it is copie write covered, you should not alter with permission of artist.