Decal issue

If you put the final finish/seal over the whole model, won't that even out the finish and make it uniform?  You would have to mask any clear parts.

I use Floquil model railroad flat for the final clear coat.  It has a slight sheen to it; not dead-flat.

Anyway, good luck with the project.  Our service pilots are certainly worthy of the best efforts.  

Thanks,

I had considered covering the whole model but the test spots darkened the paint too much. The young pilot stressed to me that she chose this particular model of the F15 for it's lighter and flat grey color that almost exactly matches the actual plane. I'm considering piping a very small amount of clear lacquer around the edges of the decals. It will be noticeable but it should hold the decals down over time and it should be a less dramatic change than darkening the whole plane with an overall coat of matte finish. I'm just worried that when it dries it will pull unevenly on the decals and cause them to peel up anyway.

Thanks very much for your thoughts,

Best

Ken

I see, hmmmm.  I've not faced this type of problem, but if you used solutions, especially the stronger stuff like MicroSol, I think it actually sort-of melts the decal into place; at least substanially softens it.   Pulling-up might not even be an issue.

If they do pull up, you're likely to get the model back for repairs in a few years!

Anyway, lots of luck with it.  

I did set them with MicroSol. I also just performed a test spot with the Model Master Lacquer that I have and it's very shiny so I'm very reluctant to try it. So I'm thinking the same thing you have in that the MicrosSol might just hold things together. I hope :) If not, as you mention, I'm sure I will see it again in the future. Thanks again for your thoughts on this and I deeply appreciate it.

Best

Ken

Hope it turns out well, Ken.  Maybe you can post photos, when you're done.

Hello!

That's a well known issue - gloss cote will make the paint seem darker, and flat cote will make it look lighter. Of course I can't tell you that for sure, but I'd put the decals between two layers of gloss cote and then put a nice flat clear on top of that - that should work all right. Maybe try it on your test spot - good luck with your project and have a nice day

Paweł

Thanks all,

I pulled out my magnifying glasses and one of my dental implements and picked at the decals now that they've had a few day's to set and they are really anchored down. I can only give credit for that to the Microsol. I'm going to go ahead and ship it out as is with a bit of a warning to not display it in a window so that sunlight wont bake the decals too much.

Thanks again, best wishes and a happy New Year to all,

Ken