Looking for some thoughts on application of decals

If the surrounding wing finish is the same as the decal was applied to; it's not nearly as glossy as it should be.

But your remediation seems to be getting results.

Bill

GMorrison

If the surrounding wing finish is the same as the decal was applied to; it's not nearly as glossy as it should be.

But your remediation seems to be getting results.

 

Bill

 

so the "today" shot was after I tried to fix it but just left it to see what it would look like today . Guessing I didn't apply enough gloss before the application. Just got finished brushing on some more on the other spots that will get decals. And popping some of the bubbles to lay in some micro sol. 

so i just noticed a big noobie mistake i made.  Aghhh....  When i put the tail decals on, i mistakingly placed them parallel to the tail rudder, i guess so they looked even to me as the plane was sitting...  Another lesson learned. 

In looking at your yesterday pics it looks like either the primer, color, or pledge coats went on too dry and gave you a "pebbled" surface.

Try getting the coats a touch wetter on the next build.  Practice on scrap, spoons or a plastic for sale sign.  Be sure to do some practice on a vertical surface.  You want wet, just short of runs and sags.

Where you're headed is good on decal fixes, but I don't think you will get rid of all of it.

I was looking at your wing pictures and saw a lot of dust and lint on them.  You might try covering your model after you coat it with Future/Pledge to keep the dust off it.  I agree with the others, you definitely need more gloss on there.  It looks to me like you were holding your airbrush too far away and it was drying just before it hit the surface.  Try misting the first couple of coats on then move in closer to build up your wet coats.  The early mist coats will give the latter coats some teeth and help prevent runs.  Like the others say, practice, practice, practice.

lewbud

I was looking at your wing pictures and saw a lot of dust and lint on them.  You might try covering your model after you coat it with Future/Pledge to keep the dust off it.  I agree with the others, you definitely need more gloss on there.  It looks to me like you were holding your airbrush too far away and it was drying just before it hit the surface.  Try misting the first couple of coats on then move in closer to build up your wet coats.  The early mist coats will give the latter coats some teeth and help prevent runs.  Like the others say, practice, practice, practice.

 

Tks.  The "today" shots were the day after and i tried a little clean up and wiping with paper towel but before i attempted a 3rd go 'round - hence the lint...  Yes, i suspected not having enough laid down, but need confrimation.  Thanks much for the tip and for looking!  Appreciate it as feedback is critical in addition to the mistakes. Ugh...  Gonna post a pic of the contraption i used to help keep some dust off - I swiped a net dome the wife uses to cover cheeses when laid out!!

goldhammer

In looking at your yesterday pics it looks like either the primer, color, or pledge coats went on too dry and gave you a "pebbled" surface.

Try getting the coats a touch wetter on the next build.  Practice on scrap, spoons or a plastic for sale sign.  Be sure to do some practice on a vertical surface.  You want wet, just short of runs and sags.

Where you're headed is good on decal fixes, but I don't think you will get rid of all of it.

 

Tks for looking and for the feedback.  Thats what i suspected.  Practice, practice.....  One time i laid on too much and made a mess.  I guess i went too far in the other direction this time.  Need to build more!!  to get the hang of it.  This is where i stand on the corrections.  Think im gonna leave 'em alone now...  Im in the process of brushing onmore PFC to the remaing areas - dropped the airbrush and bent the tip.

ok, so i decided to do just about all of the rest of the decals by setting them w/ pledge.  I would dap a little PFC, then lay the decal, press then a little more to cover....  I think it worked out ok.  All is drying now.  Have to decide if im gonna seal it gloss(PFC) or acryl semi gloss - for maybe more a sheen and a little less bling...

So ugly only a mother could love it.

Very nice job and good save of the markings.

Bill

GMorrison

So ugly only a mother could love it.

 

Very nice job and good save of the markings.

 

Bill

Tks Bill.  Once again learned a lot.  That darn 4 piece forward canopy gave me fits.  Attaching wings too as i have no real aircraft stand and the interior cockpit framing was a tad skew causing the wings not to be entirely straight across.  That said, when i set them i was a little off too due to poor gluing.  Then the struts were a little off also - the domino effect!

Question - there is a small gap between the rear (Wing? stabalizer? (not sure of proper terminology) and fusulage.  I have attempted to fill w/ elmers but it sank in a little when it dried.  Would you attempt to fill(for experience) and if so, what to use and can it be painted w/ tamiya acrylic?  Or should i just try to paint over what elemers i can see - once again - do i have to priime it or can i just paint w/ tamiya?

For filling narrow gaps like you have between the fuselage and wings or horizontal stabilizers, I like to use perfect plastic putty (PPP).  Can clean excess off with a damp q-tip.  When dry brush touch with your Tamiya.

goldhammer

For filling narrow gaps like you have between the fuselage and wings or horizontal stabilizers, I like to use perfect plastic putty (PPP).  Can clean excess off with a damp q-tip.  When dry brush touch with your Tamiya.

 

tks for the tip on the filler.  I had some acrylic   vallejo plastic putty and tried the smallest dab. When I wiped a little excess with a damp cloth, it pulled some of the pledge - I'm guessing or the smear left a smudge type mark. Anyhow, I don't feel like messing the finish I have so another lesson learned - fix all boo boos before finishing!  Who make the PPP you mentioned?  

Made in the UK, if I remember right.  Close to the vallejo stuff, though I've never used theirs.  Boxed as perfect plastic putty, runs about $7.

If it starts to get thicker or harden in to the tube just add some water and knead.