Decals over semi-gloss

[64SS350]

I am planning on using MCW semi gloss black lacquer as a body finish. Will decals stick without clear coat?

Thanks, Karl

[iamsuperdan]

I think they would stick no problem, but I suspect that the clear film surrounding your decals would be much more visible. Of course if you trimmed it super close, it should be fine.

I wonder though, would you get the results you're after if you painted the body in glossy paint, applied decals, and then hit it with a matte clear coat?

[64SS350]

I have experimented with several variations of finish. I started with flat black or black primer, gloss clear, then a satin or matte finish. They come out nice, but the semi gloss would be one step, not three.

But I have one shot with the decals, so I want to do it right.

So I welcome experience!

[Snake45]

19 minutes ago, iamsuperdan said:

I think they would stick no problem, but I suspect that the clear film surrounding your decals would be much more visible. Of course if you trimmed it super close, it should be fine.

I wonder though, would you get the results you're after if you painted the body in glossy paint, applied decals, and then hit it with a matte clear coat?

Pretty much exactly what I was going to say. If you don't have any clear film showing, you should be good. Clear film, no good. 

 

5 minutes ago, 64SS350 said:

...the semi gloss would be one step, not three.

But I have one shot with the decals, so I want to do it right.

Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and take the three steps. 

[Plowboy]

38 minutes ago, 64SS350 said:

I have experimented with several variations of finish. I started with flat black or black primer, gloss clear, then a satin or matte finish. They come out nice, but the semi gloss would be one step, not three.

But I have one shot with the decals, so I want to do it right.

So I welcome experience!

You could eliminate one step. Spray it with Gloss Black, apply the decals and then shoot it with Satin Clear. Tamiya Semi Gloss will give a flat or gloss paint a satin finish. 

[SfanGoch]

1 hour ago, iamsuperdan said:

I think they would stick no problem, but I suspect that the clear film surrounding your decals would be much more visible. Of course if you trimmed it super close, it should be fine.

It wouldn't matter if the film was trimmed. The decal itself is printed on the same film, is glossy and would be just as noticeable on a semigloss painted surface. Roger has it right.

[Rodent]

Anybody use this (or the satin) for the same thing? Brush it over the decal only  after it has dried?

[Snake45]

10 minutes ago, Rodent said:

Anybody use this (or the satin) for the same thing? Brush it over the decal only  after it has dried?

That's typically airbrushed over a whole model. 

[iamsuperdan]

3 hours ago, SfanGoch said:

It wouldn't matter if the film was trimmed. The decal itself is printed on the same film, is glossy and would be just as noticeable on a semigloss painted surface. Roger has it right.

Good point. ?