decaling over flat paints?

I've done decalling over flat surfaces before, and the results can range from lots of slivering, to none at all. Currently, I'm working on the Hasegawa Strike Battroid from Macross: Do You Remember Love, and since the base colour of the plane/mech is white, silvering will probably not show up. However, you are building a blackhawk, which I believe is largely black and greys. It's iffy. Silvering might show up, and then again it might not. As to Academy's decals, I'm not too terribly impressed with them (a bit to thick for my liking), but they do the job nicely. Thinner decals are more able to comform to irregular surfaces, and thus might fare better at hiding silvering on flat coats.

Let us know how it goes!

Don't do it!

It isn't worth the grief. Yes, you might get away without the decal silvering - when I was a kid, in the days before modern decaling/finishing techniques, I applied decals to flat surfaces. Sometimes they didn't silver, but mostly they did. Using modern decal solvents, you might up your precentage, but you'll still get some.

Get out that bottle of Future, and gloss your model. It'll take longer, but you'll get a better result, and remember, it's not a race.

DDRmaniac,

I have had good luck, strictly by accident, of decaling over flat paint

It was more good luck than good management

I have to say to what chris hall said. It seems that all the individuals that have excellent results with decals use the method of decals on glossy surfaces and then using flat to get the finish you require

What ever you decide, good luck

Richard

Ok, I guess I'm convinced to go wtih gloss coating and then decaling. However, I did put a rather large decal (about 1.5 by 2 inches) on an almost flat surface, and I only got two little bubbles which were eliminated by lancing and applying decal solvent. Like I said, though, I understand your points, so I'll go with decals on gloss.

I just had a question to add to this post. Can you apply future with a regular brush just to the specific area where the decal will be placed, follwed by a brushed on dry coat. Im in no hurry, but it is sometimes a pain for me to set up my airbrush just to use it for a brief moment.

Does anyone know the answer to the above question from Aftermarket?
I'm currently building Tamiya's F117 and so far the model is turning out to be a pleasure to build, everything coming together nicely, however that dreaded decal problem is looming over me.
I'm tempted to give the decal areas a spray with future, then after applying the decals giving the whole model a cote of Humbrol clear flat. Alternatively could I hand paint on the Future? Thanks All and to anyone who has an answer.

Yes, you can hand paint the Future on. Make sure it is a thin coat though. If it goes on too thick, it will be noticeable under a flat coat. Hand paint it, wait 24-48 hours for it to set, then apply decals, wait another 24-48 hours, then spray on your dullcoat. No need to hand paint any flat over the decal first.

Hey Paul, I'm working on the same kit. Do you happen to have any photos of your progress??

Bri~