Gloss Precoat for Decal Application

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Having come back to modelling after a hiatus and I’ve been trying some different things like ships but I want to return to my favorite area which is aircraft. I have read everywhere about laying down a gloss coat prior to applying decals. I understand the procedure fine but the following puzzles me. Do I need to totally gloss the entire model or just the areas under the decals. I do not know whether a partial gloss which is then oversprayed with a flat finish would come out looking ‘patchy’ or the matt finish would smooth everything over.

I would appreciate your opinions.

Thanks

Steve

2

I use Future for the gloss coat & spray the entire model. If you only gloss the area where the decals will go, you run the risk of a patchy look when you do the final flat coat. Also, if you are going to do any weathering, the overall gloss coat is what you want for applying washes.

Regards, Rick

3

Thanks Rick. Thats exactly what I needed to know. I usually use Testors gloss and flat for final finishing. Future is constantly mentioned so I also have a question about it. I have read several times that it yellows over time. Is this true or maybe just poor application problems?[:D]

4

I’ve never experienced yellowing with Future, but I’ve only used it for the last 4 years or so. I’ve definitely had yellowing with Testors Dull Cote & have switched to Polly Scale acrylic flat for all final flat coats. I’ve heard that exposure to sunlight can discolor Future, but so will most other paints.

Regards, Rick

5

Great. I really appreciate your help Rick.

Thanks

Steve[tup]

6

Steve -

I’ve been using Testors Clear and dullcoat Lacquers for years with pretty good results, until my last model. Almost ruined it. The can may have been old, whatever, so I had to buff it out, and then air brush it with MM Acryls Clear Gloss. It may not “look” as glossy as the lacquers, but the decals laid down flat! I also spary the entire model for uniformity, but go heavier on the areas that will receive the decals, and lighter on areas than won’t. Apply the decals and wait a few days, and then go over it with flat. The results are quite good.

Archer out.