Gloss, decal, then...

[Fokker Ace]

Just wondering if people tend to put on a gloss coat after decals to seal them and better mask any carrier film or go straight to a flat or dull coat. What's the preference?

[PrzemoL]

I usually seal decals with a gloss coat, especially when they are still to be masked with Aizu strips for shading. Only then I apply the final satin or matt coat.

[Fokker Ace]

Thanks. That's my method as well.

Maybe some guys differ from this?

[bristol scout]

I use 'FUTURE'/ 'CLEAR' by Johnsons both as a gloss base, and as a decal setting, (I wet the decal in water, then remove excess, then apply a large dollop of future where the decal sits, then place decal. CAREFULLY dabbing away excess and pressing decal down) When fully dry, and decals snug down a treat, I either LEAVE the shiny BUT not really high gloss, or satincote or dullcote depending on what I want to represent.

Cheers,
Dave.

[dirtyshirt]

Good evening,

I concur completely with Daves' instructions. One thing only, it is Johnsons Klear, not Clear.

Didn't I tell you old Rotary knows his plastic.

With regards,
Mike.

[albatros1234]

daves wet future sounds interesting, i may try that. but wha i know works well is future decal future and the nasty clear film goes away.

[Fokker Ace]

I've always used Future as my gloss medium. Sometimes I cut it with Windex, too, but not much since my armor days.

[Doug Baumann]

Hi Fokker ace i am from the old school with the teaching of gloss coat under the decal to get rid of air pockets and gloss coat over decals to weather the finish and last, flat coat the hole thing IF the aircraft is painted in flat.. ONE cautionary note, don't apply Future floor wax to any ink decal. UNLESS you have sealed them with a acrylic sealer first!! like Testers decal bonder or Kraylon Cristal clear Acrylic gloss sealer.. the ink will run like a water color in the rain

Doug