Question of applying decals to drab paint

[64SS350]

I recently applied some decals to a Monza F/C I sprayed in drab green, the paper came from Micro Mark and they are lifting off.

Any insight is welcome!

[Chief Joseph]

Waterslide decals have a hard time holding on to flat or matte paint-- too many microscopic peaks & valleys that trap air underneath the decal film. Military modelers will apply a gloss coat to the entire model, apply all the decals, then go back over the whole model with a clear flat. If you just have a few small decals, one way to get decals to snuggle down to the flat paint is to paint a small patch of Future floor finish in the spot the decal needs to sit, let it dry for a day or so, and then put the decal down onto the shiny spot. After the decal has set up and dried for another day, go back over it with some a flat clear such as Testors Flat Clear Acrylic. You should be able to apply a couple of very light coats by either brush or airbrush to even out the sheen to match the rest of the paint job.

[64SS350]

Would it be a stretch to think if I sprayed the clear over the decals now, it would soak in and adhere?

[Danno]

Would it be a stretch to think if I sprayed the clear over the decals now, it would soak in and adhere?

Won't help. The decals have to lay down on a smooth surface.

Chief Joseph hit the nail on the head: decals will not adhere to a rough surface such as that of a flat or matte finish. Can't fix it by putting clear over the top of the decals.

[MAGNUM4342]

...And before you ask, decal setting solution won't help either. Follow Joseph's advice.

[64SS350]

Guess I better go make some more copies!

Thanks guys, I debated about clear first, just hesitsnt to loose the nice finish I had gotten, but .....I know,I know!