Two Layer Decal Sets

[ibj40]

Recently I have acquired a couple of decal sets that have a color sheet and a white sheet. 
 

It is clear that where there is only white, that is the decal to apply. 
 

But, on the white sheet,  there is also a background for decals on the color sheet. 
 

My question is, do I need to apply the white decals under the color decals in order to get the proper color depth over a colored background?

 Thanks!

[Straightliner59]

Without seeing them, I would say yes. Fred Cady did his decals that way.

[Mark]

They wouldn't be included if they weren't needed.

[ibj40]

Thanks, that is what I thought.  I did the first one, and used all of them, but really couldn't tell what the white under-decals contributed.

IMG_E3856 by Jim Forte, on Flickr

IMG_4151 by Jim Forte, on Flickr

[TonyK]

It is the way the decals are printed. Unlike the decals we get in a regular kit with all the colors forming a particular number or sponsor these are made separately so that we need to lay down the white, then lay the border or color on top.

I'm using some decals from Circle Track right now that are just like what you described.

[peteski]

The color inks or toner used in Ink Jet or Laser printers (often used by low volume or custom decal manufacturers) is translucent and it requires that the image is printed on white paper (or another white background) for proper color rendition.  Otherwise the colors will be tinted by the background color.

The high-volume decal manufacturers utilize screen-printing process which uses opaque inks, so no white background  is needed.  There are also computer printers (like Alps MicroDry or some color laser printers which are capable of printing white undercoat) can print the white background and color images over white in a single operation.