My F-16 Thunderbird needed a friend. Who better than an F/A-18 Blue Angel. I’m still learning what works for me and what doesn’t. I will not be using Krylon fusion clear gloss ever again. It landed up turning milky in some spots, which according to the can is supposed to go away within 24 hours. Well it didn’t. So I brushed on a clear coat. I’m still horrible with decals, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it.
I’ve found that the Krylon clear gloss will frost and crackle your clear parts as well, and there’s no going back from that. I’ve tried.
Looks like you had some luck with the decals on that build though. It looks really good.
Decals will lay down best over a gloss cote, and you may want to invest in some Micro Sol and Micro Set solutions. You will have better results after you invest in those solutions. They are still the best out there.
After that, you’ll have to simply dull cote the finish.
Something to consider for the future. 
Thanks for the tip. I’ll have to order some, I’ve actually looked for it at the local hobby stores, but all they carry is the Testor’s decal set. I used it once, and it didn’t really help. Most of the planes I do require a matte finish, but I got off easy with this one, lol. It had to be shiny. Most of the decals went on without too much fuss. It went much better than some of my other builds. The long thin strips on my C17 Globemaster come to mind.
You’re welcome. I hope it helps you out later. I also have the Testors decal set and I keep tying to use it in different ways, hoping above all hope, that it will do what its supposed to do. But alas, it is totally useless. May as well just use vinegar water, wich is what I think it is anyways lol.
For larger decals, especially those that wrap aournd tricky corners, masking and painting usually gives a beter result. At least for me it does.
Again, nice build! And I hope the tip will serve you well.
Solvaset will lay down any stubburn decal and works every time. I still use Set and Sol once in a while but most of the time have to use the Solvaset for tough irregular areas.
OOOOOO nice work on both !
I really want to build a Blue Angels but haven’t been able to find one other than a “Snap Tite”. I do have the F-16 Thunderbird kit in 1/72 but the decals are trash and like the the Blu Angels , I can’t find a decal set .
Jay
Ebay has the ex Monogram/Revell 85-5820 and they pop up for a decent price but wait till Saturday and check out the vendor tables at the show.
Thanks Ernie, will do for sure. I’m getting anxious or the show so I probably will go friday too.
Jay
Friday is a two hour window with pre reg and set up so just be aware.
With the issues you mentioned, you really did a great job in finishing both kits. It’s always how you finish that determines your build quality. You did just that.
Toshi
Nice job! That T-Bird could not have been easy.
The Thunderbird was a nightmare! I kept snapping off little bits, and don’t even get me started on those decals! I landed up hand painting some of them on. They tore so easily. In hindsight I should of cut the decals into smaller sections and then put them on. I think it was only my 3rd model, and you learn something new on every one.
It so happens that I’m doing the same kit as a comission and looks purty straightforward. The decals look brand new and should be no issue.
K81 your Hornet looks very good by the way. [B]