How do I make decals look real?

SSgtD6152

Member since
June 2005
From: MCAS Miramar

How do I make decals look real?

Posted by SSgtD6152 on Monday, June 6, 2005 1:22 AM

How do I Make the decals on my models look real?

I'm building one of each A/C that we have in the Marine Corps.
So far I've made two CH-46's one for me and one for my GySgt that is getting out, one V-22 Deathsprey and a AV-8B lawndart. They look F-ing good but the decals just stand out and are all glossey.

How do I fix this?

I'm working on a F-18D now with alot of after market parts. Then I have one more Phrog to do with after market parts, and Im going to make my decals.

Thnks,
SSgt D
HMM-161

Phrogs Forever!!!

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willuride

Member since
May 2015

Posted by willuride on Monday, June 6, 2005 1:32 AM

Just spray your final flat coat after you apply the decals. That should make them flat and blend with your paint scheme.

On the bench Knoxville, TN:

1/48 Monogram F-4 Phantom "Black Bunny" I wanted to relive the past....Never again

On the Bench Manchester, TN:

1/48 Revell F-18E

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SSgtD6152

Member since
June 2005
From: MCAS Miramar

Posted by SSgtD6152 on Monday, June 6, 2005 1:36 AM

What do I use for flat coat ?

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HeavyArty

Member since
December 2002
From: Valrico, FL

Posted by HeavyArty on Monday, June 6, 2005 1:38 AM

To get your decals to disappear into the model and look like paint, you first have to apply a glosscote to the area to be decaled. The smother the finish, the better the decal will adhere and the less chance of silvering. Silvering is when microscopic air bubbles are trapped behind the decal and light reflecting off them looks silvery-gray. Once you have glossed the decal area and let it dry, apply the decal, ensuring that all air is pressed from behind it gently with a soft cloth. Let the decal dry and set up for a short time. Once the decal is dry, seal it with a flatcote to blend it into the surrounding area and remove the gloss finish you applied to the decal area. It may take a couple dullcotes to blend it fully. Using this method will prevent silvering and your decals will be permanantly affixed to your model.

Gino P. Quintiliani - Field Artillery - The KING of BATTLE!!!

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SSgtD6152

Member since
June 2005
From: MCAS Miramar

Posted by SSgtD6152 on Monday, June 6, 2005 1:44 AM

So I need to go to a model shop, and ask for flat coat and gloss coat.

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Avus

Member since
June 2003
From: Caput Mundi

Posted by Avus on Monday, June 6, 2005 2:22 AM

In addition to HeavyArty's method you cuold add:
- a gloss coat over the decal before applying the matt coat
- use a solution like Micro Sol. This solution makes decals softer and so they adapt better to irregular surfaces.

Klaus