Splintering decals

talentless

Don Stauffer

 Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

Didnt know that, thanks! ill be doing some home decals soon and that will be invaluable advice.

Be very careful using decal film on inkjet decals.  The inks from most inkjet printers dissolve in many substances, and finding a proper protective overcoat can be a challenge.  Make a small test sample decal first to try a decal film over it.  I have used future, clear Polyurethane, and Testors Glosscoat. I prefer spray cans of the later, and I have to do it in three coats- first a very light mist, second a medium coat, and after that is thoroughly dry, a heavy coat.  I had not thought of using decal film as an overcoat but it is certainly worth a try.  I will give that a test next time I make some decals.

Don Stauffer

There are a few commercial products that as far as I am concerned work a bit better than future.  They are called things like decal coating, decal saver, etc. Micro Scale makes a popular one. They are a clear coat that goes over the decal.  Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

I'll Don's post. I recently used some of the Microscale liquid decal film on an old Airfix sheet... because SAAF decals are hard to come by in the aftermarket world! Again, had to be careful trimming them out, but it worked like a charm.

Don Stauffer

 Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

There are a few commercial products that as far as I am concerned work a bit better than future.  They are called things like decal coating, decal saver, etc. Micro Scale makes a popular one. They are a clear coat that goes over the decal.  Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

if you know its going to break up ive heard of people spraying the decal sheet with future or the like to hold them together (let it dry before wetting the paper!!). never tried it myself tho'.

321062531509?pt=ModelKitUS&hash=item4ac0d171b5

Have a look there, ebay for after market decals

Phil