Decal levelling question

Yes, another question! :grinyes:

Do most of you guys level your decals with clear and polishing? If so, how much clear do you apply? I just can't seem to get some of them leveled on my Xanavi Z. Some I can, some I can't.

I just want to get the tips and tricks you guys have learned, as my head is getting sore from this move...:banghead: :grinyes:

Thanks!

Daniel

Rephrase your question - what do you mean by 'level'?

Personally, I use setting solutions and solvent to get my decals to settle down evenly.

IM assuming he probably means by applying clear over hte decals, to the point where there's no step or transition between the decal & the body around it, just a nice smooth even finish.

Unfortunately I havent gotten to that point, so I cant tell ya what it takes me to do it, but I do plan on trying it.

It can depend on the thickness of the decals (some brands are thicker than others) In reality the actual markings on real race cars are seldom clear coated, if at all.As they wouldn't be able to be changed for different races throughout the season.I think this is more a modeling 'thing' whereas the clear protects the fragile decals and stops them from getting damaged.
On some of the thicker type decals I think you would have to apply quite a few generous coats of clear to totally hide the decal edges and maybe this would result in too thick a coat of clear that it may look unrealistic and spoil the model.Just my opinion,but there is nothing worse than a model where the finish looks over painted and the paint layers too thick.You need to strike a balance where you have enough clear to protect the decals and hide the edges, but not too much so that the finish looks unrealistic.Maybe practice on some old panels and using some old decals to determine how to go with the clear to get the best results.