I am looking for info on how best to apply decals on a newly painted surface. I've read someplace that its best to have a gloss finish where the decal will be placed, an use Polly Set and then spray with DullCoat when everything is dry. Is this correct? Secondly, what about decaling new, undecorated plastic? Do you still need an undercoat of clear gloss? Thanks Rich
Posted by Mike C (Member # 35) on :
Hi Rich. The first step to a good decal job is to use gloss paint OR glosscoat-not dullcoat. Using glosscoat will help hide the clear part of the decal, if you use dullcoat or mat finish paint the clear part of the decal will show up when you are finished. To apply the decals I soak them in a bowl of warm water untill the film is ready to seperate from the backing, them apply them in their location. After you put the decal in plase brush on some Micro Set decal setting solution. This will help the decal conform to the surface better. After the decal is dry, then spray the car with dullcoat, and weather to your liking. HTH....Mike Posted by Throttle_JCKY (Member # 354) on :
I have to agree. Use a gloss paint, it will hide the clear portion of the decal. I do take one step farther, I soak the decal in warm water, then when the decal has seperated, I apply some water to the area where the decal will go, then I take a soak the area with the microscale decal setting solution, then apply the decal to the area, position it, then I take and brush on more microscale setting solution. Once it has set and conformed to the area, I take some tack paper and softly dab the decal, getting all the excess water off. Then I apply some more decal setting solution, let it dry for about 30 to 60 minutes and weather the equipment, then I take and dull cote it.
Posted by Shay2 (Member # 553) on :
Thanks for the tips, guys...
I've used your suggestions and am pleased with the results I got.
Just ot add to the process so well covered here. I have had great success with adding the following steps.
1. Carefully triming the decal as closely as possible to limit the excess film. 2. I use a fine soft brush, like a camel hair to float the decal, after, as previously stated I have laid a path of water or micro set or other MicroScale solution, (depending upon the type fo decal). I then use the brush to carefully ease the decal to the correct position. 3. I use a paper towel to carefully remove excess fluid, by laying the paper towel next to the decal and letting the capilary action take the excess fluid. 4. After the decal as mostly dried, I then use the seting solution to get it to hug the surface,
