**you wrote**
>>noticed that there a red or orange ring on all race cars.<<
Where, geographically, is this ring located?
**you wrote**
>>also im going to seal the decal/paint the a gloss clear coat form testers.<<
Check this out, and tell me if this is the kind of finish you want to achieve?
If so, here's how!
I discovered, if you apply a decal straight to the painted surface, THEN apply the gloss coat, anywhere the decal film is transparent, will create a "Haze" against the paint.
Solution: Using #0000 Steel Wool, gently rub any imperfection in the paint, then rub over the place with a clean section of t-shirt, until it begins to shine again... then go over it with a damp section of that t-shirt, cleaning away any "finger oil stains", then rub the entire body with a "tac cloth". Spray a coat of Gloss Coat on the model, let it cure out good (24 hours), apply the decals on the slick surface (making sure you rub out any air bubbles and decal residue from the finish) let stand for 6 hours, THEN apply another gloss coat layer!
This allows the decal to adhere to a smoother surface, eliminates any "hazing" affects, and after the gloss Overcoat, makes the decals seem PART of the finish itself!
**you wrote**
>>what is the thinning ratio for airbrushing.<<
Can't answer that question, as I mix mine by the bubble test:
Mix thinner in paint until there forms a little round ball of paint, that stays on the surface momentarily when you lift the stirring device out of the paint. Ratio's would be more exact I guess, but I'd been doing it this way for a while before I ever heard of a mixing ratio.
Good luck, keep us informed?
"Gentlemen, start your APU's"
Frank