buffing compounds and decals...questions as always..

[LVZ2881]

can you, or should you decal over buffing compounds such as Novus, Tamiya, etc...

I know not to decal over wax...

[diymirage]

excellent question

to be honoust, i never had to deal with it because i always apply my decals before i apply my clear coat

so i never buf the decal, only the clear paint that sits on top of it

[Modelmartin]

Polishing is just reworking the surface of the paint and does not leave any residue after you wash it off. It is probably better to decal over a polished surface. There is less chance of silvering under the clear film. I never wax my models. I am satisfied with my polished finishes.

[mageckman]

James, I don't know if you should, but I have polished several bodies out before decaling. So far, no problems with any of them. Hope this helps.

[LVZ2881]

What do you use to polish your bodies out??

[mageckman]

The Novus system and a couple of really soft rags. Before putting the decals on, I just wipe everything down and make sure it is dry and that I can't see any residue left from polishing.

[LoneWolf15]

James,

I use Novus 2 with small squares of soft t - shirt , followed up with Detail Wax from the Final Treatment. I then apply my decals. For show prep , a little Novus 1 on a piece of small cloth does the trick . As long as you apply your decals properly , you should have no problems !

Donn Yost

Lone Wolf Custom Painting

[beefheart22]

Hey James, I have polished using Tamiya compounds, gave a good rinse and it reduced the silvering of decals. Good to go. Then if I clear coat on top of decals, I just polish it again. Have never waxed before decals, but will wax over top of decals without a clear coat with no negative effects (use the Tamya wax that comes with the microfiber cloth).

Nathan

[Ddms]

I've had no problem putting decals over Tamiya compounds, and I'm sure the same applies to Novus. But lots of people polish their cars with Meguiars Scratch-X, and I'd be careful putting decals over that. It almost certainly contains silicones, so decals probably won't stick to a Scratch-X'd finish.

Before applying the decals, scrub the car with soapy water to eliminate possible contamination by fingerprints, fly specks, etc., I use Purple Power for this, but any detergent will do. Be sure to rinse and blot dry - if tap water is allowed to evaporate on the model, it will leave a residue.

Ddms

Edited September 18, 2009 by Ddms