To Decal or Not to Decal?

[Ken McGuire]

I've recently returned to the hobby and spent time on a '40 Ford Coupe learning my mistakes and areas to improve. I'm now building a '29 Ford Highboy with a blown Ardun flathead (many Replicas & Miniatures parts) which hopefully will meet my goals.

I have a theme for this car based on a Von Dutch pin stripe design that was shown in the back of a recent Hot Rod magazine. Lo and behold the Revell '32 Five Window Coupe kit has two decals of that design (one white; one black).

My dilemma is whether to use the decals. I am hoping that the paint job (gorgeous metallic, pearl candy) on this model - which will include painted flames - will be great, so I'm wondering if adding a kit decal will be too much, will mar the look, will not look realistic...? What would you do?

[Guest]

Decals can work real nicely if you spray clear over them. It will make the edges practically disappear. Before spraying clear over them, brush a good coat of future floor wax over them. This will protect them and keep any clear coat you use over them from attacking/wrinkling them.

[Ramfins59]

I think you should go ahead and use the pinstripe decals. The only way that you'll learn is by doing. I would also use a decal setting solution when applying the decals which will help to eliminate any "silvering" or white film, from showing within or around the edges of the decal. Let the setting solution dry completely before you put any clearcoat over them on the body. Welcome back to the hobby and good luck on your build.

[Ken McGuire]

Thanks guys, I'll give it a shot.