How long before I apply Flat Coat?

I'd say 24 hours is the minimum if you use an acrylic flat such as Polly Scale. If you're using a lacquer, such as Testors Dullcote, I'd give it 48 just to be safe.

Regards, Rick

No sense in getting in a hurry.

I use testors dullcoat, I have used it less than 24 hrs from decaling. I have never had a problem. so, 24 hrs should be fine.

QUOTE: Originally posted by rebelreenactor I use testors dullcoat, I have used it less than 24 hrs from decaling. I have never had a problem. so, 24 hrs should be fine.

Ah yes, but the first time you do have a problem it will be a total disaster. We don't always get punished for taking shortcuts, but sooner or later the Modeling Gods even up the score .

Regards, Rick

Unfortunatly, Rick is right - it's a whole lot better to let some extra time pass (haven't you got another model to work on in the mean time?). That's better than Murphy showing up and your ending up pounding your head on your desk and proclaiming what an idiot you are to the whole world (although that will probably drive up the price of Excedrin stock in the long run). After several problems in the past caused by my rushing something, I've adopted the 48 hr rule - going to shoot a coat of clear gloss? - wait 48 hrs after applying last coat of color, going to apply decals over gloss coat? wait 48 hrs, going to apply clear coat (gloss or flat) over decals? - wait 48 hrs (the last is what got me to waiting in the beginning). Anal? Probably, but at least I lets me be more creative in my screwups (or at least more spectacular)

Thanks for all the replies!!

well, I have had an accident before.... I thinned the dullcoat to much and the paint cracked! but luckily the camo netting I had for it covered it up.
I usually put on my decals ant night and give my model a wash, let them dry over nite, come back in the after noon and sprayed the dullcaot. I have also done it within a couple of hours of each other for the MAD builds. I can pretty much tell if my decals are still wet.

QUOTE: Originally posted by rebelreenactor I use testors dullcoat, I have used it less than 24 hrs from decaling. I have never had a problem. so, 24 hrs should be fine.

I made the mistake of not waiting at all once...15 minutes, tops...you should have seen the bubbling of the decals. It was almost instaneous and it was hideous! I was kicking myself, but there was nothing I could do. Put a second coat on 24 hours later and they smoothed out a little bit.

These days I also wait at least 24 hours, more like 36 most of the time. This gives pretty good results so far.