Clearcoat over decals

Do you think race-car models look more realistic with a clearcoat over the decals or with just a good wax over them?

On one hand, decals on 1:1 cars are glossy and reflect the light well, but 1/24 decals don't seem to relflect light that well (in my experience).

On the other hand, having a "glass" like appearance over the decals can sometimes look too unrealistic.

What do you think?

While many pros will say "don't clearcoat decals", I myself have found it can help to protect a decal. It all depends... You are talking about race cars (NASCAR?), and they have a lot of graphics on them, so too much gloss may not be totally correct. I don't know a whole lot about modern race cars, so I really can't comment that much...

Pre-70s race cars weren't so slick looking. I think any race car model from that era wouldn't look right with super shiny graphics.

Things like logos and stuff shouldn't be clearcoated since on real cars, these are usually seperate parts.

BUT, then again, everyone has their own way of doing things...

Nells

I think the best effect can be achieve by that method where you airbrush on future floor wax. Goes on like a clearcoat, but is a wax.

Future is an acrylic clear coat, not a wax (it has been misnamed as such on many modeling forums)!

Ive never used a clear coat on my race cars as i dont think it looks real.
Most 1:1 cars are mostly large decals that are computer printed and only have a semi gloss look to them.
Just wax over the decals and they turn out AOK.

But don't you find it risky waxing over a decal? May of them don't adhere well, and can lift off very easily. I suppose the larger the decal, the better the results, but on logos and badges, it seems risky. I've always been afraid to try it.

Nells

http://www.crownvicsetc.com/files/312fisher.jpg

Well Nell, with a light touch you ought to be fine in most cases. I once let a used up decal backing dry face down on the floor. When I discovered what happend I pried it up only to take off some of the varnish with it, the glue is that strong. :)

Over a gloss surface, flattened decals will adhere very well. It's when they are applied to semigloss and flat surfaces that they don't do well, since there's less contact between the decal and the surface and more chance for air bubbles to get trapped, resulting in "silvering" (air bubbles appear under the decal) and bad adherence.