Donnay Pro One Mid+ racquet quality good, paint quality bad. Possible remedy?

[Doppelganger]

Greetings fellow tennis players. I recently picked up a couple Donnay Pro One Mid+ racquets (2014 model), and although I love the racquets themselves, the paint on the side lettering is chipping away and coming off QUICKLY. It seems like every time the ball hits the side beam instead of flush with the strings, it rubs/chips the paint a little. I've read this has been an issue with some of the more recent Donnay's, and its becoming clear where they put the money and where they did not.

My question is, have any of you heard of using any kind of protective coating on the lettering? Perhaps some kind of light clear glaze or polyurethane? Something that would be thin and clear, not noticeable and that would protect the paint from chipping and coming off. I don't know if such a thought is ridiculous, or if that's even an option? It seems like something that could be done...

 

[CopolyX]

My wife had a donnay phase, 102 's . I stripped them and painted them the right way. One is a flat black, the other took much longer. Friend (artist/airbrushing) did custom paint both I clear coated, three light coats...
if you do go down that path. Do lots of house, prep is key, patients is a huge key, take your time. Also use a old frame (or two) to try first, until you are happy with your results. No rocket science here.
Just smart / hard work and you can do. Make it fun....

 

[big ted]

u could put scotch tape over it or clear nail polish..

 

[Doppelganger]

^ Thank you for the responses! So for a "clear coat", you guys think clear nail polish would work? Is there a better option, or is that a highly recommended one? Although I am sure a custom airbrushing would look nice, I really would just like to seal the current paint job, so it isn't as prone to chipping and scraping. And I'd also like it to look nice and virtually unnoticeable if possible!

 

[CopolyX]

i have never used clear nail polish...not on my finger nails nor my frames. not saying it will not seal the peeling donnay banana....concerned about its over appearance, results and the process...

 

[esgee48]

Anything you do will probably change the overall mass, balance, flex and perhaps the SW. If you read threads about posters doing custom PJs, most will tell you that the frames' characteristics will change. If you are really OCD about paint chips, clear nail polish will minimize the changes, but it will be sticking to paint, which is not sticking well to the substrate. It may still chip.

 

[THE MAN]

Anything you do will probably change the overall mass, balance, flex and perhaps the SW. If you read threads about posters doing custom PJs, most will tell you that the frames' characteristics will change. If you are really OCD about paint chips, clear nail polish will minimize the changes, but it will be sticking to paint, which is not sticking well to the substrate. It may still chip.

I never had that problem with changing the feel of the racket.

 

[Doppelganger]

Hmm. After considering the responses and the info I've read, I think I'm just going to apply some minimal clear polish to the paint on the part of the hoop facing out that is most prone to chipping. Top and sides. I don't think I want to go buck wild and coat the entire thing, not to mention, the ball is only going to hit off center shots on the top or sides facing outward. Hopefully it's not too noticeable. Maybe I should pickup a cheap beater racquet from Play it Again Sports to practice on first...