Decals, How do you get them to stick?

The paint on the hull is flat as opposed to gloss. I presume that if a gloss clear coat is applied to a flat paint the result would be that the flat paint weould now appear to be gloss.

Therewfore, I presume I would need a flat clear coat. Does anyone make such a thing? Would I be looking for a spray or brush application.

Thanks for your help on this.

regards, Jay

Testors makes a gloss clear coat. They also make Gloss Cote. I really am not too sure if they are one in the same, or a different product. I'm pretty sure they are enamel. Gloss Cote was the product I was thinking of when responding to your post.

HTH

Jon,

Is there any specificf brand recommendation you would care to make? Should I be looking for a spray or brush ap[plication?

I was at a LHS store this evening and did a cursory look around for a clear paint. I did not see any. That does not mean that there were none. This store has an incredible variety of paints, including the whole line of MM Marine acrlics. That means exacyly what I said: I did not see any. The reason why I did not see any may have more to do with my vision than the availibility of the product.

What should I look for?

Thanks, Jay

Having never put one of my models in water--much less salt water-- I can only speak of what I think would probably work.

Probably the most durable clear coat would be en enamel. They tend to stand up (once cured) to the most handling. There are 2 important things that I would like to emphasize: proper coating and dry time.

You want to make sure that you apply a few (at least 2) thin coats, then a couple of heavier (wet) coats. Wait about 24-48 hours between the first 2 coats, and about a week or so between the wet coats.

Enamels take forever to dry, but when they do, they dry for good. I would let the final coat dry for at least a week, more if you are in a humid climate.

Hi Konig Tiger,

Thanks for taking your time to address my problem.

What would you use as a clear coat on your model? Would your selection depend on the underlying paint - acrylic or enamel? Would this selection change if it were a radio controled model used in salt water?

Again, thanks for your help.

Regards, Jay

Hi, you answered your own question. You need to apply a suitable clear coating that will protect the decal. The most important thing is to practice on some old that is similar to what you have and see if the decal reacts to you clear coat or you clear coat react sto the water.

Hope this helps. Cheers