…since all I need to do is create a surface to apply decals to?
Yes, absolutely. I routinely apply Future by hand with a brush.
It’s better that way. Either way, pay attention to runs as it does and will. Look for accumulations or drops, and wick them up with the torn edge of a paper towel.
I’d warn against just putting future where the decals go. It will make the underlying color look wet, i.e. dark, and will show up as a splotch. Typically I just face the music and paint the whole wing, etc.
I do it all the time with my tank builds. After installing the decals I just cover them with several light coats of Future until I feel weathering won’t affect them.
Use a nice soft wide brush like a 1".
Thank you Mr. M. I bought a good 1" brush at Hobby Lobby and did a thin test application of Future. Very nice finish. I still don’t understand why my airbrushing gave such miserable results.
Customer service at AlClad suggested that I had mixed a lacquer thiner into ALC-600. I hadn’t although I do use lacquer thinner to clean my brush regularly.
Thanks again!
I found a foam brush works great for this. Use as wide of one as practical. Go slow and gentle and it works much better and easier than an airbrush will do.