decals over metal finish

I know what it is like to be rushed with getting everything done for the holidays.  I toohave  heard that it "may" be OK but have also heard some bad stories as well.  If this is a gift for soemone do you want to take that chance?  I have put down decals on Future after as little a few hours.  If you feel the surface is "gloss" enough if may be OK.  Try a small stencil decal first in an out of the way place, you should be able to tell if they are really down or not.

I'm facing the same issue when I screw up my courage enough to tackle the Williams Bros. Lockheed Electra done as Amelia Earhart's plane. I already know that the kit leading edge and stabilizer decals are the wrong color, so had planned to paint those on, but then there are the other decals, mainly those HUGE serial numbers. How to make them go down smooth, stay down and then blend in?????

That said, I'm debating between Testor's buffing aluminum in the rattle can (no, I don't own a airbrush) or Bare Metal Foil for the whole thing. Seems like a real Hobson's choice to me!

mfsob

If you're planning to paint the leading edge and tail locations, you need to paint them first and then mask them.  The problem is that masking tape will peal the aluminum areas up is you try to mask over them.

As far as those large N numbers, you might try applying a coat of Testors Gloss Coat over the paint scheme and then apply your decals using MicroSol and MicroSet.  When the decals are dry (24/48 hrs) apply a finish coat of Gloss coat.