dcal application

[Lizard Racing]

I notice in the "on the workbench" section that some builders apply decals prior to final assembly.  I can understand that this can be easier than applying to the finished car.

I seem to have a problem with over-handling the body and rubbing off the paint in small areas.

What are everyone's thoughts on when to apply decals?

[MrBuick]

Many people put at least one coat of clear over the body decals, which helps seal them in and prevent them from coming off during handling. Also, I had the same problem with paint for a bit...I now wear medical gloves when building...no more oil from my fingers getting on the finished product during heavy handling = no more paint rubbing off.

Edited February 25, 2016 by MrBuick

[Kit Basher]

I agree with MrBuick, except I use white cotton gloves.

[Dave Van]

I apply before and after....depends on the decals and the model.......not sure there is a 100% correct way either way.......

 

[High octane]

If you have enough paint on the body, and a couple coats of clear, the paint is not going to come off while handling the body. Of course you need to let the paint dry for a week or two as well. I apply my decals after I do the BMF and before final assembly. You do NOT have to put clear over decals or BMF as that's a waste of clear. To protect the body, protect the decals, to protect the BMF, protect them from what, they are static models and sit on the shelf when we're done building them. We don't play with them, or leave them out on the deck exposed to the elements, etc.