Decals over Dull Coat?

[Da SWO]

I've always put a gloss coat down before putting decals down, a second gloss to seal, then flat/dull coat.

 

 6-10 decals (included with the model).  Can I put them on, then seal with a flat coat; or do I have to put a gloss coat on?

[Hooker169]

Unfortunately, they're going to silver without the smooth surface. I've got a similar problem with my heavily weathered Chinook currently. I've only got the tail numbers and the United States Army decals with a couple small outliers. Since the finish I have right now is exactly how I want, dull-faded and oil stained, I applied gloss coat only to the areas exactly where the decals will lay with a brush. I'll set the decals and seal with another layer of gloss then finish with a layer of dull coat only over the decaled areas. This should blend seamlessly into the faded splotchy dull finish.

Not sure how well yours will blend in if the finish is fairly clean and monotone.

[Da SWO]

2 hours ago, Hooker169 said:

Unfortunately, they're going to silver without the smooth surface. I've got a similar problem with my heavily weathered Chinook currently. I've only got the tail numbers and the United States Army decals with a couple small outliers. Since the finish I have right now is exactly how I want, dull-faded and oil stained, I applied gloss coat only to the areas exactly where the decals will lay with a brush. I'll set the decals and seal with another layer of gloss then finish with a layer of dull coat only over the decaled areas. This should blend seamlessly into the faded splotchy dull finish.

Not sure how well yours will blend in if the finish is fairly clean and monotone.

I actually dirtied the Reaper up.

I will try your method of applying gloss with a brush.

[Hooker169]

On 9/10/2024 at 11:40 AM, Da SWO said:

I actually dirtied the Reaper up.

I will try your method of applying gloss with a brush.

I just finished this morning. I still have final assembly to do but I applied testors dull coat with an air brush over the decaled areas and now it blends in nicely. 
You should be good to go.👍

[arg]

I went back and re-read the original question.  Its one I have also:      If you put down the gloss coat over the paint, then lay down the decals, do you need to put a SECOND coat of gloss to seal in the decals before putting down the flat coat?  In other words, could there be issues in using just the flat coat to seal the decals?  Thanks.

[A-10 LOADER]

It's all a matter of personal preference and, the way you spray on your finishes. You can gloss, decal, then flat coat. Some guys don't put a lot of flat coat down but, just enough to knock down the sheen so they apply the second gloss after decals to make sure they are sealed.

 

Steve

[admiralcag]

I use a second gloss coat to protect the decal during weathering.

 

Vern

[Alternative 4]

I've seen people use a semi gloss coat over decals before weathering. Their theory is that the wash grabs better. Haven't tried it myself.

 

 

Another reason people use a gloss coat over decals is to try and hide the carrier film. If you thin the gloss coat with lacquer thinner it supposedly "melts" the decal carrier film. I have tried this a couple of times and it didn't work.