Another Decal Question….after I’ve screwed it up!

[NOBLNG]

Can decals be applied to an enamel (or any) finish that has been sanded with #1500 grit? Or would it be better to lay down a coat of clear first and put the decals on that?

Thanks.

Edited August 27, 2022 by NOBLNG

[Mark]

You want as smooth a finish as possible.  Applying over a sanded finish will likely cause "silvering" or highlighting of the decal film, as it does with decals applied to flat finishes.  

You could always experiment with a scrap piece finished as intended, and an otherwise not used decal, preferably from the same sheet you intend to use for the project.

[Mike C.]

I have heard it is best to have a smooth surface, like a clearcoat or something like that. Although I have read that the decal softener will help with the rougher surfaces. The second stage of the decal solution is for after you have moved the decal to where it is you want it.

[yh70]

once u sand with #1500 grit u have a dull finish then the decal will not lay down as good as on a gloss finish. clear coat then decal ..

[NOBLNG]

Well I’m not sure that the dull finish contributed to me wrecking these decals. I did go over the entire thing with #3000 before applying the decals. In some spots I just could not iron out the wrinkles, even with copious amounts of micro sol and gently rubbing it with a tamiya swab.

Then I screwed one of them up badly and decided I had to remove them, but I wanted to save the paint job if possible. I found the best way was to soak it with Micro Sol and use a short stiff bristled paint brush to jab at the decal and remove it.

I saved the paint job and gave it a couple coats of acrylic clear. Now I will try the white decals and see if they lay down any better.😕

Edited August 27, 2022 by NOBLNG

[espo]

For removing decals with little or no damage to the paint, try masking tape. The  Scotch Blue stuff seems to work great. 

[maxwell48098]

One of the best products I've used for decades for removing decals that haven't been sealed to the surface with clear coat is plain, old Scotch Magic Tape, the frosty appearing tape.  Press it down firmly, then do a quick pull.  Repeat if necessary.

 

A.J.

[NOBLNG]

Thanks Guys! I will remember the tape trick for the next time……and I’m sure there WILL be a next time!😕

[Michael jones]

Looks like you needed to use a softening solution for the decals

[Chariots of Fire]

Try Micro-sol under the decal before you lay it down.  It might help with the wrinkle problem.  Another bit of it on top afterward is ok too.

[NOBLNG]

On 8/29/2022 at 10:24 PM, Michael jones said:

Looks like you needed to use a softening solution for the decals

 

1 hour ago, Chariots of Fire said:

Try Micro-sol under the decal before you lay it down.  It might help with the wrinkle problem.  Another bit of it on top afterward is ok too.

I did use micro set before applying the decal and micro sol afterwards. I sanded with #3000 before attempting the decals….maybe not slick enough?  I did manage to iron out most of the wrinkles, but these big ones just would not disappear.  Anyways, the white decals laid down much nicer, but I did lay down a coat of clear first. Too bad, because the black stripes had a lot better definition than the white.😕

[Chariots of Fire]

That looks nice, though.  Are you going to cut through the decal at the door line?  Use a fresh blade and then hit it again with Micro-sol.

[slusher]

Greg I put my decals down on dry clear coat…

[espo]

While it's only my opinion, I like the white stripes better than the black ones on this color, a little less Halloween looking.