question on how to keep decals from silvering

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

hello, i usually like to use tamiya acrylic paints etc, i built a few aircraft lately and the decals keep using, what am i doing wrong ? after i paint the aircraft should i use a clear coat to seal the paint or whatever and the decal, and when im done with useing the decals should i use the flat base coat ? or vise versa ? or if anybody else has any other better ideas im all eyes and ears, i really hope u guys can help me with the problem,
thanks alot and have a good one
see ya
jeff[:)]

2

Here’s what I do…

  1. Paint
  2. Future
  3. Decal
  4. Some kind of decal setting solution (depends on th emake of the decals)
  5. Future or some other coating…

[8D]

3

Jeff,
It’s imperative that decals go onto a glossy surface - never a matt surface. The decals don’t adhere very well to matt paint, and the thousands of tiny spots that don’t adhere allow light to refract underneath, producing the silvering.
As the above reply states, first paint with whatever color you need. If it’s matt paint, clear gloss coat with Future, let dry, then decal, and if you want, use some sort of decals softener or solvent if needed. Then seal the decals with a gloss, satin or matt coat as needed.
Never apply decals to matt paint.
Good luck…

4

A little white glue and water say a 1:4 ratio will prevent silvering. Put a drop down and place your decal over it. Position and blot with a clean foam make up sponge.[:D]

5

stinger16s,
Before you apply the decals, make sure the whole entire a/c has a gloss coat. Basically the surface needs to be smooth(as a babies bottom[:p]) inorder for the decals to lay down perfectly.
This is what I have done if I see “silvering” on my decals.
1. Use a brand new needle to start. From there go across the area that you see the silvering and lightly tap the decal.

2. Once you have done that, use “Micro Sol” or “Solvaset” and go back over the area(s) that you just used the needle on. Repete this process until you are satisfied w/ the out come.

3. After you have done the first two steps, now you apply the flat coat to the area(s) that were worked on. Make sure you semi blend in the flat in the surrounding area.
I have done this a few times and boy it really works…!!! Just got to have a lil time thats all.
Flaps up,MIke