Using Future as a Decal Setting Solution

The Future trick works only if there are no raised details. The area has to be flat. Future can be used over thick decals to get rid of the step created by the thick film and yes you can lightly sand it to help blend a thick decal.

This is a perfect example: The 1/25 Academy Panther has decals that did not want to stick very well, not even with multiple applications of Solvaset which is VERY strong. The decals are also very thick and leave a step that is very visible. Here I applied Future to the area and slid the decal in place then waited for a couple of minutes to give the underlying Future  to grab the decal. I then brushed on multiple coats from the center of the decal out feathering the effect. Once I was satisfied with the applications I let it cure for 2-3 days then came back with a 4000 pad and lightly sanded till it got a white haze on the area. The sanding is usually not needed but I wanted that thick decal to blend in. The area was wiped clean then I shot some MM flat clear and it looks as if the numbers were painted on.

So my plan is to paint the panel lines (pre shade) paint base coat colors, cover with Future, decal, cover with future again, weather, paint on dullcote (or an acrylic flat clear). Sound about right? Or did I miss a step somewhere?

Dave

Perhaps "stain" was not the right word.  I see it more as a difference in glossiness between the paint and the part over which Future was applied.    Chris is right- usually another clear coat over the whole model will make this invisible.

Thanks for the info, folks. Just what do you guys mean concerning a stain? I thought that covering the whole model with Future after the decals were set would give it a nice clear gloss (and protect the decals) then I could cover that with a flat clearcoat (like Testor's dullcote). Of course I'm talking about using a lacquer over an acylic. Don't know that that would work. If you can suggest another flat clearcoat I'd appreciate it.

Dave

Cadet Chuck

Future will leave a visible stain or blemish on any painted surface.  I no longer use it that way.  Yes, it will seal a decal, but it will always be visible if you look closely.

Any clear coat will leave a stain.  I spray Future after decals are dry, and the original stains are invisible.  A final satin or matt coat makes original stains completely undetectable.

Future will leave a visible stain or blemish on any painted surface.  I no longer use it that way.  Yes, it will seal a decal, but it will always be visible if you look closely.

Sanding Future on top of a decal will likely ruin the decal.  I find this stuff to be greatly overrated.  I'll use it for dipping canopies as it works well for that, otherwise, I'll let the wife use it on floors.

I don't believe sanding the Future or any clear coat, would "fade" the colors of the decal.  That would be best accomplished by air brushing a light coat of say thinned buff or beige or light gray or what ever over the decal during you weathering phase then finally covering with your final top coat  

Thanks, Don. Don't want to mess up the decals on the next build (planned: 1/32 Avenger from Tamiya). Think I'll try the water/dish soap solution (just a drop). Still would like to know if sanding a topcoat of Future will "fade" the decal some. To me, this is a desireable effect especially when it comes to weathering.

Dave

I have tried future as a setting solution and don't think it works as well as the real stuff, which is usually acetic acid (dilute).  Another help is to add just a tiny drop of detergent to the water you dip the decals in.

I know some folks who use vinegar as a wetting/setting solution because it is cheaper than the hobby shop stuff.  Be very careful. Even so-called "white vinegar" often has dissolved solids in it that can leave deposits on the surface.