decals and flat paints

[Paul Payne]

I like primered hot rods, but wonder about applying decals to flat paint. I would think the decal film would be very visible applied directly to a flat surface. Should a small area be sprayed with clear gloss, apply the decal, then spray again with dullcoat? Any tips would be appreciated!

[Zoom Zoom]

You are correct; the decals must be applied over a smooth/glossy surface and then you can dullcoat them to match the surrounding surface.

[ismaelg]

Hello,

I built this earlier this year. Not exactly a car, but the concept is the same. (Well, it is an american 2 seater high performance dream machine anyways )

It was painted Testors Model Master flat military colors. I airbrushed Tamiya acrylic clear over it to a nice glossy finish. Polished it a bit, applied decals and then airbrushed dullcoat over it. I went very light on the dullcoat since this is supposed to be a demonstrator unit, but you can go a bit heavier if you want.

Hope this helps.

Disclaimer: I hate decals and they hate me. I avoid them like a pest. That's why I build mostly factory stock.

Thanks,

Ismael "the decal hater" Gonzalez

[jbwelda]

i find a coat of future floor wax over the dull surface, then decal and then re-dull coat works great. no silvering.

i love decals. its mostly a matter of learning to prep and apply them and what chemicals work with what decals.

[lordairgtar]

Holy Combat!!!! What is that thing? Never seen one. WOW