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Tamiya clear over decals?

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  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tacoma WA
Tamiya clear over decals?
Posted by gjek on Sunday, May 25, 2008 6:34 PM
I posted this on the paint forum but it also belongs on the auto site. I painted a body with Tamiya Gloss Black from a rattlecan and it went on beautifully. I plan on decaling it and clear coating it with Tamiya clear from a rattlecan. Am I going to have any problems with the clear over the decals? This is the first time I have worked with Tamiya gloss colors. Is there any specific surface prep prior to spraying the clear. I normally would just go ahead but I had a catastrophy with a prior body and am willing to check prior to jumping off the cliff. I have micro sanded between coats and the black has a mirror finish now. Thanks, Greg.
Msgt USMC Ret M48, M60A1, M1A1
  • Member since
    December 2006
Posted by marioc on Sunday, May 25, 2008 10:57 PM

Hi Greg:

Personally I didn't have problems, but I received reports from readers that some decals were wrinkled. I recommend to make a test and mainly to apply several thin coats waiting few days among them instead a heavy one. Also you can sand with #2000 wet sandpaper among layers

Mario Covalski Editor http://www.modelersite.com
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Paarl, South Africa
Posted by SeaBee on Monday, May 26, 2008 12:58 AM
Only ever had problems once with it - and that was when I applied the first layer too heavy. Go for a couple of mist coats to protect the decals, then a wetter one and you should be fine. But, as allways, TEST! And be sure that the decals (and solvents) are very dry... That's why I usually do the body in parrallel to the rest of my build, so as not to get over-eager with this!
  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: New Zealand
Posted by nicholma on Monday, May 26, 2008 3:56 AM
Yes to the above and because silvering shows up even worse on black I always use a decal softener. However if you've polished as you say then that shouldn't be a problem. Gently wash the body after decalling as well so there is no softener left.
Kia ora, Mark "Time flies like the wind, fruit flies like bananas"
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tacoma WA
Posted by gjek on Monday, May 26, 2008 11:22 PM
Thanks. My last catastrophy ended with break fluid destroying the body I was trying to remove paint from after the clear krinkled the decals. I just got through a wet layer over a test decal and there was mild krinkling. I will test another with the mist layers first.  Greg
Msgt USMC Ret M48, M60A1, M1A1
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Tacoma WA
Posted by gjek on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 12:10 AM
I tried two mist coats ( decals OK). After drying I did a wet coat and the decal krinkled. Am I just not clueing in on what to do?
Msgt USMC Ret M48, M60A1, M1A1
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Paarl, South Africa
Posted by SeaBee on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 2:31 AM

Greg, I must admit, I made a couple of assumptions here. Which decals (brand) is it? The one decal brand I have had an issue with, was Tabu. Though only one of theirs gave me a slight issue.

What I can add is the following. I agree 100% with what Mark has said - I also use softener and washing it off afterwards is a must. Not only will it get rid of the excess softener, but will also "test" the decal adherence before spraying it. This adds to the drying time, but so be it... Another thing this takes care of, is silvering, as Mark has said. Don't know whether you're using a softener. But what this means is it removes air trapped from under the decal, which I wonder whether this is not the cause of your issues. If there's a remote chance of ait under the decals, it will show up badly when sprayed with TS13. Also, as said previously, be very very sure the decal, it underlying adhesive and (possible) softener are bone dry.

The wet coat should also not be too thick, it will then react with the underlying layers...

There is a similar thread on F1M at this stage, so you can also have a quick look over there. maybe there's something said that triggers something with you.

Good luck! 

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