Decal help!

[1hobby1]

So I went to add the decals on my camaro before the clear coat and they did not go in as smooth as planned. There are some wrinkles in the stripes that I can't seem to get out. Will clear coating over help hide the wrinkles at all? Or am I better off taking the decals off the car for a better look instead of wrinkly decals on a paint job. Is it too late to take the decals off? Still very new to model building and decals are very frustrating! Any advice is much appreciated! Thank you

[cobraman]

You needed to use a setting solution. Clear coats will not help. You can remove and mask and paint ot maybe remove and see if someone here can give you another set. Good luck !

[1hobby1]

Decals also had this look to it,I'm sure it is because I didn't use any solution. Going to pick some up for my next build. I'm not to worried about the stripes on this one because I actually kind of like it without them

Thank you for the advice.

[fseva]

So I went to add the decals on my camaro before the clear coat and they did not go in as smooth as planned. There are some wrinkles in the stripes that I can't seem to get out. Will clear coating over help hide the wrinkles at all? Or am I better off taking the decals off the car for a better look instead of wrinkly decals on a paint job. Is it too late to take the decals off? Still very new to model building and decals are very frustrating! Any advice is much appreciated!

Looks like the same kit as mine - is it this one?

If it is, I've been told that EVERYONE has trouble with this kit's decals! I'm on my third day of applying Micro-Solv, and I've still got wrinkles, but they are getting less and less noticeable. So, I intend to keep going until they're virtually gone.

There is an aftermarket set of decals for this car by Keith Marks Decals. That would also be an option if you want to remove the bad ones.

If you have more questions, RandyB. was a big help to me on this kit!

Edited April 7, 2015 by fseva

[Casey]

So I went to add the decals on my camaro before the clear coat and they did not go in as smooth as planned. There are some wrinkles in the stripes that I can't seem to get out. Will clear coating over help hide the wrinkles at all? Or am I better off taking the decals off the car for a better look instead of wrinkly decals on a paint job. Is it too late to take the decals off? Still very new to model building and decals are very frustrating! Any advice is much appreciated! Thank you

As Ray said, clear coating will not help, and even a decal softening and/or solution (like Micro-sol) might not help. Any area where decals are to be applied which consists of drastic angles and changes in direction (like the hood-to side of scoop-to-top of scoop on the Camaro) is going to be a challenge for ANY decal. Decals can't stretch so they have to be designed to account for the changing width in those tricky areas, and that rarely works out perfectly. A softening solution might help, but it also might make things worse.

If the decals are dry, you can place Scotch tape on them and remove the decals without harming the paint.

TL/DR: Hard area to cover with a decal. Paint is easier, no solution is easiest.

[afx]

Decals also had this look to it,I'm sure it is because I didn't use any solution. Going to pick some up for my next build. I'm not to worried about the stripes on this one because I actually kind of like it without them

Thank you for the advice.

image.jpg

This condition is called "silvering". The decal has not fully bond to the surface underneath. Decals need a very smooth surface. Any texture of roughness will cause this condition. Decal Setting and/or Decal Softening solutions help here but your paint or clear coat needs to be smooth before you apply the decals.

Also while the decal is still wet go over it with a wetted paint brush (water) to work out any trapped water or air under the decal.

There have been some good articles written (in the model magazines) and I assume videos about tips & tricks for applying decals. Search some of these out.

[1hobby1]

Fseva - yes it's the same kit. Good to know I'm not the only one having some issues with them! Eventhough most of my issue is being new and not having experience Lol!

Casey & afx - Thank you guys for the knowledge! I actually was able to peel the decal off and I'm going to leave it that way, clear coat and a polish and I will be able to finish this model. I'm going to buy some solution for future builds. I did some research and wish I knew about that earlier! Lesson learned! I can always build another Camaro down the road.

Thank you guys!

[fseva]

Steve, I just wanted you to know that the set of aftermarket decals I was referring to is by Fred Cady - not Keith Marks. I'll be ordering a set because I'm not crazy about how my decals-with-MicroSol came out, after 4 days of soaking them and then letting them shrink up while drying. So, I plan to build this one again. Here's the link to the decals...

http://www.mikesdecals.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=4026

[935k3]

JC was right the decal is silvering, there is air pockets keeping the decal from setting against the model. Try wetting the area under decal with Future it will stick better and eliminate this. Also try a hot damp cloth pressed over the decal to get it to conform. No waiting and no wrinkles. I only use solvents down in door and panel lines. Execess Future can be removed with ammonia or windex. I used this technique on the car below. Only the white is paint.

Edited April 9, 2015 by 935k3

[1hobby1]

Great thanks guys!

Even though my build is going to stay without the decals (I just love the color) I will be getting the solution, it's not expensive and I'm sure in the future I will use it. This was a good learning experience though so it's not all negative!

I will also keep in mind of the warm cloth and future technique.

Thank you everyone!