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Flat base over decals?

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  • Member since
    June 2008
  • From: Iowa
Posted by Hans von Hammer on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 11:25 AM

 Throw the Flat Base out... There's really no reason to even have it on hand.  There's a number of clear flat, satin, and gloss overcoats out there in rattle-cans, in laquer, enamel, and acrylic... No mixing, no clean-up..

I use Testor's Glosscoat and Dullcoat along with clear Gloss, Satin, and Flat acrylics by Tree House Studios.   Always test your clear overcoats on a paint hulk before you apply them to a model though..  

 

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 9:57 AM

No worries, Travis. Been there, did that, know the sinking feeling when it glazes over. The article I linked to has the ratios for mixing with Future.

 

So long folks!

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Florida
Posted by STFD637 on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 9:43 AM

Thanks for the input. I did end up "buffing" the decals to get them a little less chalky.  I will look into the mix ratio. I tried thinning it before adding. I have also heard that you can mix it with Future so it seals and flattens out the paint.

Now I did finish a P-47 for my son and the cloudy look wasn't as noticable and the fade looks more natural than on an early war Zero. Trial and error i guess. Thanks again for the input.

Travis

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

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  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 11:11 PM

The funny thing is my very first post was I used Tamiya Flat Base and it went all chalky! Embarrassed

I forgot to add that if you take a SOFT cloth and buff very gently (and for a long time) most will come off, so all is not lost!

It will be one of the most weathered looking kits, so unless its a show piece, it should be alright.

So long folks!

  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: So.CaL
Posted by Dr. Faust on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:36 PM

See,

I told you someone would be here shortly to help.Yes

Thanks Bill.

 

Dr

Just build it (and post pics when youre done)

  • Member since
    May 2005
  • From: Left forever
Posted by Bgrigg on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 10:07 PM

If you used Tamiya Flat Base straight from the jar, that's your problem. It's a paint additive, not a paint.

For ratios from satin to dead flat, see Matt Swan's excellent article "The Complete Future".

So long folks!

  • Member since
    May 2006
  • From: So.CaL
Posted by Dr. Faust on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 9:34 PM

STFD637,

Flat Base...

Well,  try spaying pledge over it and it may clear up.

In the mean time search "flat base" and you will find a whole lot of info on it.

Or as that guy "Hippy Ed" used to say.."someone will be here shortly ta help ya".

Dr

Just build it (and post pics when youre done)

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Florida
Flat base over decals?
Posted by STFD637 on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 9:20 PM

The last kit i built i began using some of the techniques I have read about here. One problem I ran into recently was on a Zero. I used pledge to seal the decals after they were placed then applied the flat coat. However when I was done the the markings became "gray" and super faded. Does anyone have any ideas on how to prevent this?

Any and all input is helpful. Thanks

"If a lie is told often, and long enough, it becomes reality!"

Travis/STFD637

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