When to apply decals?

[KillerSi]

Hi guys! I'm a newbie to these forums. Have been browsing for a little while and love all the tips on car modelling!

I've been building kitsets for most my life but have only recently got into building car kits. Anyway, I'm wondering when I should be applying decals. I'm priming my kits, spraying with Duplicolour Automotive paints , clearcoating, then using rubbing compound etc.

I don't want to damage my decals or paint jobs of course, so would like to know what is the best stage to apply them?

Thanks in advance!
Si

[DSM-Mark]

I would say the "best" time to apply them would be after the colour coat but before the clear. However, this is also the most "dangerous" time to use them. Let your decals dry at least 3 days (1 week is better) after applying before spraying any clearcoat on them. On top of that, you should apply 2-3 very light mist coats of clear to seal the decals before you apply a heavy coat. And, if that wasn't enough, when you polish the area over the decal, be very carefull that you don't rub through the carrier film of the decal and destroy it.

Alternatively, you can apply them last. This is probably the safest, but it has a few drawbacks/but can be more reallistic! Real race cars have decals applied with stickers, or vinyl. So there will be a minor edge from the body to the artwork on a real car. Furthermore, the shine may and probably will be different on the sticker than it is on the body. Doing decals on you 1/24 after polishing can give both the raised edge and the gloss effect. However, the downside is that it doesn't look as impressive as a smooth, glossy all-over decal job.

[DSM-Mark]

Oh, and welcome to AF!

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[pre98zetec]

Originally Posted by KillerSi

I don't want to damage my decals or paint jobs of course, so would like to know what is the best stage to apply them?

When the paints dry

Josh

[KillerSi]

Also, forgot to ask... Do decal setting solutions affect clearcoats, rubbing compounds or waxes???