Decals and clear coating

[pete3522]

Is it safe to clearcoat over decals or should I put the decals on after i clearcoat im going to paint the can - do wrecker and i dont want to trash the decals any suggestions?

[High octane]

This subject haqs come up MANY times so I suggust you look over in the Tips, Tricks, & Tutorials and also the How Do I sections of this forum and you will find the answer to your question.

[pete3522]

Interesting because i did a search on both topics and found nothing that applies to the question i am asking so if you dont want to answer or be smart dont replie to the topic!!

[Jim B]

It is safe to clear coat over decals. Usually I paint, apply decals, clear coat, detail paint window gaskets & such, apply BMF if needed, then add detail parts (mirrors, door handles, hood insignia, etc.)

[pete3522]

Thank you for your Well answered repile!!!! I am just worried because theirs alot of decals on the can-do and probablly would be hard or expensive to find replacements

Also what is bmf?

[txdieseldog]

Craig, its the quick term for BARE METAL FOIL.

[lapazleo]

Yes you can clearcoat over decals I also use the microsol microset system from microscale it's normally in the model railroad section of the lhs it makes decals look like paint and go over any uneven surface.

[pete3522]

oh ok i have used it a few times

[pete3522]

Another thing i was concerned about was clearcoat on white and decals I have read forums on this that after a while the clear on white would yellow?And also decals discoloring?? I dont have much expierence with white or decals I usually paint my stripes i dont use many decals most of my trucks are darker metalic colors

Edited November 22, 2011 by pete3522

[pete3522]

Maybe i shouldnt clear coat it????

[Jim B]

Guess it sort of depends on how shiney you want it.

[pete3522]

I want it shiney

[Jim B]

I've heard the Future Floor Polish applied with an airbrush gives a really shiney & smooth coat. I don't have an airbrush, so I can't speak from experience. Some people also use a type of wax after paint & clear coat. Personally, i don't do that as I think it can make the shine unrealistic in scale. But that's just me.

[pete3522]

I had a airbrush when i modeled as a kid it seemed more trouble then it was worth with the new spray paints out think with a little patience you get as good of a result if not better

[Wagoneer81]

Craig, Some enamel clear coats will yellow over time. Like others have mentioned, Future floor polish works well as does Testors One Shot, Wet-Look clear. I almost exclusively use the Testors one-shot (it comes in a rattle can) and have had great results with it. It's part of their 'One Shot' Laquer system and, to my knowledge, does not yellow with time. If I use decals on a build, I always clear over them to seal and protect the decals. This also gives the decals the same shine as the paint which just makes things look better all around.

One other thing I use it for; If I have a decal sheet that is very fragile, or when I print my own decals, I'll use the Wet Look clear to seal the decal sheet before I use it. I spray the entire sheet and let it dry overnight.

Hope this helps!

Edited November 23, 2011 by Wagoneer81

[pete3522]

Yeah thanx for the tip

[kap64]

Hello. I always clearcoat mine over the decals and once in a while, even over foil trim. Too much clear will turn yellow, but I've had good results with Tamiya clear staying clear. Also, keeping the sun off will keep it from turning yellow. If you don't have decals and don't clear coat, I've been told a very small amount, like a drop or less, of blue in the white paint will keep it from turning yellow and you can't see the blue in the white.