Clear over decals and bare metal foil or reverse??????

[doorslammer68]

As I'm getting adjusted back here is the 68 Roadrunner with vinyl top. My questions are as follows: Do I put the clear on top pf the decals and metal foil or in reverse? You guys are great; really appreciate the help

[Bainford]

It's really a matter of personal preference. I always put foil over clear, and decals too in many cases. If the decal represents a painted graphic, or if it is particularly delicate, I clear over it.

[Fat Brian]

I typically clear over decals unless it's something that needs to be flatter or look applied over paint. I don't clear coat over foil, I've had clear yellow and it gives a weird tone to the foil.

[gtx6970]

I always clear over decals. But do Not clear over BMF 

[Chris V]

It’s really a matter of what you’re building. In many cases the decals will have a different surface texture in the real world thus making it most correct to apply them after the clear.

If clear coating the decals you should always allow them ample time to thoroughly dry and set before applying the clear to avoid trapping moisture in the clear coat. You should also be aware that in some instances the clear can dissolve the dye/ink or carrier film when clear coating over decals. Furthermore it’s worth noting that some clears are more prone to yellowing over time. 
 

With all of these cautions out of the way, I prefer to apply 2K Clear over BMF and some decals in order to seal and protect them from handling and degadation over time. I’ve found that on some of my older builds the BMF is has lost its full adhesive strenght making it more fragile and likely to lift/chip along the edges when handling/cleaning the model.

[Dave G.]

Just fwiw, I don't clear over foil or Molotow. I clear under where decals will be, apply, dry, then clear everything that will be clear coated, including decals. Generally speaking of course. 

[oldcarfan]

I prefer to do clear over the decals and put the bare metal on after the clear. I have a couple of old builds from the 90s and the clear was put on over the foil. It yellowed a bit so the chrome now has a slight brassy gold tint.

[Bills72sj]

I shall be contrarian here, I put both BMF and decals directly on paint then clear coat. I changed to this method after a batch of BMF having some poor adhesive. It got annoying to trim something perfectly just to have the ends flip up at the slightest touch. Never had a problem since. I also have not experienced the yellowing described by others. Then again my oldest build with BMF is circa 2006.

[Greasefinger]

I usually start foiling after clear coating. The clear coat protects the painted surface from the blade and makes it easier to clean off possible foil adhesive residue from the plastic. Then after foiling I sand, buff and wax. Before foiling, make sure the surface is perfectly shiny and clean of wax.