Decal softener leaving gloss

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Hi Guys,

New modeller and first post. Also this is my fourth model ever so forgive any mistakes you can see. Has anyone had this problem where the decal softener applied to the kit before has left a gloss area? this isnt the decal itsself its the area where i placed the softener?

I wont try and rescue this kit but I would like to know how to stop this happening in the future?

Thank you

2

Don’t think your 4th Ever Build needs rescuing, only wished my 4th Remembered Ever Build airplane c. November 1963 looked AS stunning. Yes, gloss carrier film does happen whenever I apply Micro Sol, do my best trimming film close to printed area as possible but sometimes it isn’t possible.

3

Thanks mate, but I just want to make sure this gloss if from the area i prepared with micro sol. It was never covered with the decal. or are you saying whatever chemical is used to keep the decal on the paper dispersed from the back of the decal and reacted with micro sol?

Ive ordered some after market decals and plan on making some wierd and wonderful “what if” builds. the decals will make the story so i want to make sure i skill up before I start.

Thanks for the reply… very much appreciated.

4

Normally, decals are applied to a gloss surface anyway. This is for two main reasons, (1) to reduce silvering (air bubbles trapped between the decal and a flat-painted surface) and (2) to help decal setting solvents make the decal conform. Flat-painted surfaces create drag. When the decal solvent is applied, the decal wrinkles, but smooths out as it dries. If the surface isn’t glossed, it may cause the decal to hang, causing wrinkles to remain after it’s dry.

In your case, I’d suspect that the gloss area around the decals isn’t from the solvent itself, but from glue residue from the decal/paper. You should be able to remove or reduce it using a damp swab.

The normal procedure is to apply a flat coat over the decal after it has dried. This has the added benefit of providing a uniform overall surface so that when you apply your weathering, it behaves the same way over both the decals and the surrounding paint work.

5

Thanks for the feedback Phil, so you are suggesting not to prep the area wuth solvent before applying the decal?

6

No, just saying that normally, whether you use a softener or not, decals should be applied to gloss painted surfaces for best results.

For the subject above, I’d suggest that the softener wasn’t essential as the decals were applied to flat, regular surfaces without any particular need to snug down into panel lines or over bumps.

7

thanks mate, understood