decals over bare plastic?

I’m building a checker tail P47, and the entire tail will be covered with decals. Since the plastic is smooth and glossy, is there any reason to clear coat? or will they snuggle down okay without it? My guess is they’ll be fine. I don’t want to ruin the sheet, cause I only have one. Thanks

Jerry

seeing that you are going to coat over the top of the decal anyway why take a chance

i say don’t take the risk, it’s better if you put time and effort into a model. judging from your cautious nature not to ruin your decals, i think you’ll make the right decision.[:)]

You will find that the decals will be easier to transfer and position over cured future. Take the time to do it right.

Steve

[#ditto] to all above. Even if you’re happy with the colour of the plastic, & just want to decal, at least spray a couple of coats of clear, to provide a nice smooth, glossy surface. The reasons decals silver, is because the surface is not glossy enough, or there is air trapped between the decal and the surface of the model. Pah, you might say - but if you look at the surface of a model under a microscope, the plastic is anything but smooth, hence the clear coat to level out that surface. Time spent in patient prep now will repay in spades when you come to display your ‘beautiful’ handiwork, only to cuss & swear because you have to relay the decals, or strip them all off, to put down the clear you should’ve sprayed the first time.