What clear over tire lettering decals

[Steve H]

Hi all, I’m typically a “no white lettering on the tires” kind of guy, black walls all the way. I’m building a Revell 71 Olds and will be using the kit supplied decals for the lettering. I definitely think I need to “seal” the decals. So… matte clear, semi gloss, or gloss. I will do a test or 2 but any advice here would be appreciated. Specifically, how does paint react with kit tires? I have no idea ??‍♂️. The photo is about the sheen I’m aiming for. 

My initial thought is probably semi gloss. Thanks in advance for any advice, feedback and suggestions.

[Old Nasty]

I brush on flat acrylic clear to seal tire decals.

[slusher]

Has too be acrylic over it won’t dry.

[bobss396]

I do a lot of decals and Shabo transfers and have always used Testors Dull Cote over them. I go with 2 light coats.

[slusher]

17 hours ago, bobss396 said:

I do a lot of decals and Shabo transfers and have always used Testors Dull Cote over them. I go with 2 light coats.

Can you still find ,them, or do you have a Shabo   

Edited June 5, 2024 by slusher
Typo

[espo]

There are many ways to go about applying lettering to the kits tires. One way to consider would be to first clean the tire sidewall and do any tread sanding. Give the sidewall that you want to apply the letters to a light gloss clear and allow to dry. This usually gives a better surface without any silvering from behind when you apply the decals. After the decals are completely dry use a light coat of a matt clear or a semi-gloss if you lean more toward the Armrall look.  

[Fat Brian]

I swear by Mr Super Clear on tires, its never dried sticky on any tire or rubber tank track material. 

[Can-Con]

I'm pretty sure based on my experience that as long as you keep away from oil based enamel you should be OK. I've used water based acrylic and flat spray lacquer on vinyl tires with no problems.

BUT as always, TEST FIRST !

[shoopdog]

I’ve always sanded my tread then applied a coat of Future, allow to dry a day and then apply decals. Wait another day and spray with either Testors Dull Coat but recently have used Mr. Hobby matte finish. However I do try never touch the tire especially when installing wheels to avoid any cracking.

[bobss396]

22 hours ago, slusher said:

Can you still find ,them, or do you have a Shabo   

I have not seen Shabo transfers for a while, usually I see them at model shows. I have a good stash but they have a shelf life issue. I have looked at some suppliers, even eBay, nothing. 

[slusher]

1 hour ago, bobss396 said:

I have not seen Shabo transfers for a while, usually I see them at model shows. I have a good stash but they have a shelf life issue. I have looked at some suppliers, even eBay, nothing. 

I have several but I have found a set or two but they was very expensive but not seen anymore in years..

[wkt_1]

Am having several but I have found a set or two but they was very expensive but not seen anymore in years..

[bobss396]

20 hours ago, wkt_1 said:

Am having several but I have found a set or two but they was very expensive but not seen anymore in years..

I have a bunch here with a $5 price sticker on them. Empire Hobby in Michigan used to bring some to shows, I should shoot him an email. Nobody on eBay has any. I probably have not seen any around in the past 8 to 10 years.

[KWT]

I use tamiya flat clear over mine. Never had an issue of not drying. In fact, the only time I've had an issue is when I ignore the humidity thing

[Steve H]

Sorry for the delay in replying here guys. I appreciate all the input and information. Pics of the  results will be posted here when fully completed. I used a bit of a combination of some of the replies, and actually had success on the first practice run, so that’s what I’m going with. I liked David’s (espo) approach, and I like Mr Hobby clears. So I used Mr Hobby gloss clear, then decals, waiting for those to dry overnight, then Mr Hobby super smooth matte clear. My test gave enough sheen, not too “armourally” (new word?), but a clean, recently wiped with 303 protectant sort of look. All of the tread sanding had already been done, and tires are “flat spotted” to give the car some weight. Keith (shoopdog) made a very important point regarding handling to avoid any cracking after decals and paint. All of your input was valuable, in the end it was a combination of espo, fat Brian, can con, and shoopdog’s replies that I used. Now hopefully I don’t mess up the matte clear tomorrow….

[Steve H]

Just thought I would share the results. It may, or may not be helpful to others. Here is the how they look:

First with gloss clear and decals:

Then after being toned down considerably, one mist coat, one medium coat of the Mr Hobby super smooth matte clear:

The decals are NOT perfect, but overall I think it looks decent. The sheen is just about exactly what I wanted. 

[Can-Con]

Looks great to me, Steve. 

I'd be very happy with those.

[carrucha]

Good tips guys!