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quick question about becaling

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  • Member since
    August 2011
quick question about becaling
Posted by DKside41 on Sunday, August 7, 2011 1:28 AM

I'm fairly new to modeling, so I haven't gotten very much experience with decals yet. When I put them on (At least the clear ones) the don't look right due to the to material on it makes it like wrong. Not too sure  how to describe it, but I'm sure someone knows what I mean by this. I really appreciate the help. :)

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Philadelphia PA
Posted by smeagol the vile on Sunday, August 7, 2011 1:36 AM

If you post some pictures of what you are talking about it would help us significantly.

 

Also, just as a general question everyone will ask, did you use decal softener on them?

 

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Utereg
Posted by Borg R3-MC0 on Sunday, August 7, 2011 4:47 AM

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Allentown, PA
Posted by BaBill212 on Sunday, August 7, 2011 6:09 AM

Like Smeag says,,,    you will need to show us or describe a bit more specifically....  as your question stands, an answer would be difficult at best

Enjoy the ride!

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Sunday, August 7, 2011 6:32 AM

Just a guess here, but it sounds as if you may be having silvering issues. Silvering often occurs when you apply decals over a flat painted surface.

Flat painted surfaces appear to be smooth, but actually, the surface is covered in microscopic pits and irregularities. When a decal is applied, air is trapped under the decal and apears as whitish/silverish (hence the term) specks under the clear decal film. This is one of the most frequent problems which occur when applying decals.

The usual solution to this problem is to always apply decals to a gloss surface. Often, this entails applying a coat of clear gloss over the surface before decalling. There are also some decal setting solutions (eg. Gunze's Mr Mark Setter) which can help reduce silvering. The aforementioned Mr Mark Setter contains a mild adhesive which both fills in the surface irregularities in flat paint and sucks the decal down nice and tight - very helpful for decals which have been over-soaked or which have weak adhesive.

Then, if a flat final finish is required, a coat of clear flat will be required.

 

  • Member since
    August 2011
Posted by DKside41 on Sunday, August 7, 2011 11:20 AM

Phil_H

Just a guess here, but it sounds as if you may be having silvering issues. Silvering often occurs when you apply decals over a flat painted surface.

Flat painted surfaces appear to be smooth, but actually, the surface is covered in microscopic pits and irregularities. When a decal is applied, air is trapped under the decal and apears as whitish/silverish (hence the term) specks under the clear decal film. This is one of the most frequent problems which occur when applying decals.

The usual solution to this problem is to always apply decals to a gloss surface. Often, this entails applying a coat of clear gloss over the surface before decalling. There are also some decal setting solutions (eg. Gunze's Mr Mark Setter) which can help reduce silvering. The aforementioned Mr Mark Setter contains a mild adhesive which both fills in the surface irregularities in flat paint and sucks the decal down nice and tight - very helpful for decals which have been over-soaked or which have weak adhesive.

Then, if a flat final finish is required, a coat of clear flat will be required.

 

Oh, okay, that really makes sense. This was the issue that I was having. I will try this on the model I'm doing right now. Thank you all for giving me suggestions :D

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Philadelphia PA
Posted by smeagol the vile on Sunday, August 7, 2011 12:33 PM

Yep, as I said, use decal softener.  Thats always the answer when helping new people with decals.

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Monday, August 8, 2011 9:10 AM

First things first. 

Setting solution or not, decals should be applied to a gloss surface.

 If using a setting solution, the gloss surface is even more critical, as the decal will wrinkle/shrivel as the solvent takes effect and then flatten out as it dries.

If a setting solution is used on a decal on a flat painted surface, the decal will more often than not "hang up" instead of flattening out fully and will dry with creases.

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