question about decals

i was wondering if it is ok to clearcoat over decals with a few cracks in them. a few of them have small cracks in them. will the clear eat away at these parts?
thanks in advance.

Not necessarily. In fact sometimes you can use the clear to fill the cracks so they are not even visible. Safest way is always to test. You don't say what clear you intend to use, it makes a difference too... - Mark

i will be useing either tamiya or testors clear.
thanks for the help

Just go easy like you would over any other decals and you should be fine. Standard warnings apply about moisture and using mist coats, escecially it using a 'hot' paint like laquer.

If you've used that particular clear coat over non-cracked decals then the cracks shouldn't make any difference. If it's a new clear then testing first is the only way to be sure it's safe, cracks or no cracks.

tamiya clear is safe enough. :D

tamiya clear is safe enough. :D

Hmm.. depends on which one he meant. TS-13 IS NOT safe enough, if you use Tamiya TS-13 over decals that are laid PERFECT, it can go south on you and look like aged china plates.

I've used, and I've ONLY ever used Tamiya X22, and it appears to be safer then TS-13 but the trade off is that you need to apply it with airbrush, it takes a few coats to gloss up, and it takes an age to cure.

TS-13 can be applied over decals, but I've never really worked out the correct "mist" from a can technique. I always tend to over cook misting from can, with an airbrush I can mist all the time....

Anyhow, Tamiya Acrylic X22 over cracked decals will not matter. In fact it might actually help to hide the crack. I had a cracked decal on my Cobra, after 7 coats of X22, I couldn't see the crack anymore.

I'm not so sure about TS-13.

I've had a recommendation for Mr Hobby (GSI or something) gloss clear.. www.hlj.com have it in stock..

i don't have an airbrush, so i can't use x22. ill probably end up going with the testors, just because its not too hot.

You might consider using Future. It's an acrylic you can brush on. It may take several coats, but it is probably the safest option... - Mark

Have you already applied the decals to your model and they have cracked or do you mean they are cracked on the decal sheet?

they're allready on the madel, and they cracked when i applied them.

You might consider using Future. It's an acrylic you can brush on. It may take several coats, but it is probably the safest option... - Mark
will it have a smooth finish when its dry?

Im concidering a future in airbrushing as the finish seems to be smoother overall. But right now I use a clear laquer which I purchase from Halfords.Its excellent for a fine protective coat over the decals and it also helps to add a glossy boost to the tamiya colour used for the body. Im not sure if it can be used with other types of paints.This is a rattle can ofcourse.

M1CRO.