Ed DeVivo Posted April 5, 2023 Share Posted April 5, 2023 Just opinions. Do you guys find is absolutely necessary, to gloss prior to decaling, and panel line washing? In the past, after doing so my panel line wash would wipe right off after gloss coating, whereas the wash would bite right in just going over the paint. Q-Tips dipped in white spirits would wipe away excess no worries... So.. What do you guys think? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
southwestforests Posted April 5, 2023 Share Posted April 5, 2023 9 hours ago, Ed DeVivo said: Do you guys find is absolutely necessary, to gloss prior to decaling That part, Yes. The reason flat paint is flat is because it has a surface akin to microscopic sandpaper which breaks up the light reflection. Applying decals to that is like putting Scotch tape over sandpaper. Go try it now then come back and finish reading this. ... ⏲️... The decal doesn't have full adhesion & it risks, even guarantees, that eternally famous silvering. Applying decals to either gloss paint or a clear gloss coat would be more like applying that Scotch tape to glass. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ed DeVivo Posted April 6, 2023 Author Share Posted April 6, 2023 1 hour ago, southwestforests said: That part, Yes. The reason flat paint is flat is because it has a surface akin to microscopic sandpaper which breaks up the light reflection. Applying decals to that is like putting Scotch tape over sandpaper. Go try it now then come back and finish reading this. ... ⏲️... The decal doesn't have full adhesion & it risks, even guarantees, that eternally famous silvering. Applying decals to either gloss paint or a clear gloss coat would be more like applying that Scotch tape to glass. Good point Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cloud in the Wind Posted April 6, 2023 Share Posted April 6, 2023 While I had good results from Tamiya rattle-can sprays, I have with the last couple models moved to airbrushing the overcoats. My process has become as follows Paint Some Weathering Gloss Coat Decal Some Weathering (to affect the decals) Dull coat panel lines and final weathering Dull coat or semi gloss (depending on scale) I've been doing mostly 144 scale kits the past few years, and while it adds a month to mine build time, some of the aftermarket decals are SUPER fragile and need that extra protection IMO. I'm not winning any contests mind you so take my thought with a grain of salt. This is a kit where I did not dull coat after decalling You can probably see as you mentioned, how the panel lines rubbed off of the trailing flaps leaving more "smudge" and less "weathering" And here's one where I took the extra steps. IMO the weathering laid down much better and is more realistic allowing more work to show. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockheed2004 Posted April 7, 2023 Share Posted April 7, 2023 There are several youtube videos dedicated to this topic. Good surface prep and smooth paint work will negate the need for any gloss coating prior to decals and weathering. A good decal solvent will address any potential issues with silvering. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CFster Posted April 7, 2023 Share Posted April 7, 2023 3 hours ago, lockheed2004 said: There are several youtube videos dedicated to this topic. Good surface prep and smooth paint work will negate the need for any gloss coating prior to decals and weathering. A good decal solvent will address any potential issues with silvering. You need a stable surface that has the chemical...fortitude to resist setting solutions as well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockheed2004 Posted April 7, 2023 Share Posted April 7, 2023 That doesn't mean you have to gloss before decals. Test your setting solution on a paint mule beforehand if you're worried. A nice, even paint finish goes a lot farther than hosing something on with the consistency of rough sand paper, then using gloss to level it out. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CFster Posted April 7, 2023 Share Posted April 7, 2023 18 minutes ago, lockheed2004 said: That doesn't mean you have to gloss before decals. Test your setting solution on a paint mule beforehand if you're worried. A nice, even paint finish goes a lot farther than hosing something on with the consistency of rough sand paper, then using gloss to level it out. Sometimes people don’t have the choice of shooting a gloss paint, or even one that’s going to lay down super smooth. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lockheed2004 Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 That has nothing to do with the original question which was is it absolutely necessary to gloss before decals. First response was yes you must do it. Plenty of evidence to the contrary on this big old internet that says no you don’t need to gloss before you decal. You can decal directly over flat paint if the surface is properly prepared. Financial means has nothing to do with that answer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
CFster Posted April 8, 2023 Share Posted April 8, 2023 (edited) 5 hours ago, lockheed2004 said: That has nothing to do with the original question which was is it absolutely necessary to gloss before decals. First response was yes you must do it. Plenty of evidence to the contrary on this big old internet that says no you don’t need to gloss before you decal. You can decal directly over flat paint if the surface is properly prepared. Financial means has nothing to do with that answer. I wasn’t referring to finances. Edited April 8, 2023 by CFster Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ed DeVivo Posted April 9, 2023 Author Share Posted April 9, 2023 Thank you for all the replies. lol... My paint surface is pretty smooth.. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ed DeVivo Posted April 10, 2023 Author Share Posted April 10, 2023 While were on the subject of this... I just received some AK Real Colors Gloss Varnish.. Anyone have experience using this stuff? Thinning ratios? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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