Gloss or semi under CF?

Hi all

I've seen a couple of people mention using semi gloss black under CF decals, while others use gloss black. I thought the CF would stick better to a gloss finish, so what's the advantage to using semi gloss?

Also, I suppose the choice of gloss or semi gloss clearcoat is a personal taste, or does the pattern show better under one or the other?

Thanks
Graham

Would it not depend on the type of "finish" you're looking for on the CF? i.e. if you're working on a CF bonnet, a "glossy" finish would be desired; hence a gloss undercoat would be best, whereas if you're CFing the insides of a Racecar i.e. under-bonnet parts etc, then a semi-gloss would suit better?
BTW, what decals are you using? I'm still confused as to what the "best" CF decals are!?! Hiroboy, SAS or SMS?!? Cheers!

Would it not depend on the type of "finish" you're looking for on the CF?

That's the bit about undercoat that I don't get - I thought the clearcoat determined the "finish"? I suspect the undercoat texture influences decal adhesion and maybe light absorption (which may add contrast to the pattern?)

BTW, what decals are you using? I'm still confused as to what the "best" CF decals are!?! Hiroboy, SAS or SMS?!?

I'm using SMS CF "high definition" 1/24 at the moment. It's intended for the plenum chambers (gloss) on this F430 Challenge as well as dashboard/console inserts and inside doors (all gloss). For the seatback I have SMS twill (semi gloss), while the engine bay gets SMS plain weave (semi gloss). There seems to be an ugly gap in the wheel arches - I might fix that and cover with yellow Kevlar. The (finish) in each case is how I intend to clear coat that item (unless anyone thinks different!).

I'm not sure what the "best" decals are nowadays, but I'm really looking forward to seeing some post/reviews about those new 3D decals! Do you need to view them through those blue/red glasses? LOL

The desired effect has nothing to do with gloss or semi gloss as it will all be covered by the decals. Then to seal the decals is when the finished look comes in, clear coat with gloss or semi gloss. The decals stick better to gloss paint. Some cars like the Porsche 911 GT1 will have black panels showing with no CF. But the base still doesn't matter if you will be adding a top coat. I've used Tamiya TS-18 with SMS decals just fine as well as Tamiya's gloss black.

I find Halfords satin black works well under CF - decanted it airbrushes beautifully. It's very tough and isn't affected by any decal softening solutions.

I've decalled over non black but using black disguises any tears, chips, edges etc where the decalling isn't perfect.

Grundski is right. I use mainly SMS CF decals and they definitely are easier to work with on a glossy surface. They will move much more easily into the position you want on a smoother surface. This is true of all the varieties of SMS decals I've used.

Would it not depend on the type of "finish" you're looking for on the CF? i.e. if you're working on a CF bonnet, a "glossy" finish would be desired; hence a gloss undercoat would be best, whereas if you're CFing the insides of a Racecar i.e. under-bonnet parts etc, then a semi-gloss would suit better?
BTW, what decals are you using? I'm still confused as to what the "best" CF decals are!?! Hiroboy, SAS or SMS?!? Cheers!


Just surprized not seeing Studio27's CF on the list~
I think it is the best after all.
I did tried different CF decals with both cars and bikes models and the top of my list will be S27 and SMS, and then with modeler's.