Another zero paint question

[nakadds]

I'm planning to use zero paint base coat and topping it with 2K clear coat after the decals. Do I need to put a layer of clear between the base coat and the decals? If yes, can I use 2k clear or should I use something else?

Thanks

[gulfclk]

You'll get different visions and answers here.

Me, I never use a clear coat between the coloured base coat and the decal setting. For me, it works like that. Putting the decals in warm water avoids all problems for me, but ...

Some modelers claim that by not 'sealing' the base coat with clear, you'll get 'silvering' on the decals, this is ... because the base coat is not entirely flat, the decal will not touch the base coat everywhere, so the 'gaps' will have a different colour after the clear coat has been applied (a decal setting solution can help!).
From the other hand, it is always safer to 'seal' your color before applying decals. This way, you're sure the paint won't get damaged.

Up to you to decide ...

[stevenoble]

Personally I would give a couple of light coats of clear.It seals the base coat colour and avoids marking it while you handle it for decal application.Also stops the silvering problems mentioned above and helps the decals move around better on the smoother, cleared surface whilst you are positioning them.

[sjelic]

the only thing why I clear before decals is that base coat is very delicate and you can easily scratch it and damage it or make nasty marks with Microscale products, specially if you use Gunze decal softener.
Few light coats of clear save the day.

[DerXL]

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I'd like to ask Sasa and/or Steve :

Do you use 2K clear for those light coats between basecoat and decals or do you use another type of clear ?
I've found that a light "tack" coat of clear, as indicated in the 2K clear instructions, seems to be rather rough in finish. And I fear that it might be difficult to get a few light coats to a smooth finish... But maybe that's just lack of practice on my part...

Axel.

[stevenoble]

Originally Posted by DerXL

Sorry to hijack this thread, but I'd like to ask Sasa and/or Steve :

Do you use 2K clear for those light coats between basecoat and decals or do you use another type of clear ?
I've found that a light "tack" coat of clear, as indicated in the 2K clear instructions, seems to be rather rough in finish. And I fear that it might be difficult to get a few light coats to a smooth finish... But maybe that's just lack of practice on my part...

Axel.

To answer your question I use the 1K clear for those initial few light coats before the decals and then when decals are applied and dry I switch to the 2K clear for the final finish coats.

[sjelic]

Well I use 2K all the way, the thing is that it is always suggested to put max 30% of thinner in the mix, I use a lot more, therefore it comes out almost perfectly smooth, the problem is that it is much more aggressive on the paint and can make runs much easier, but a little practice makes it easy.

[DerXL]

Steve and Sasa : Thanks for your replies.

[stevenoble]

Originally Posted by sjelic

The thing is that it is always suggested to put max 30% of thinner in the mix, I use a lot more, therefore it comes out almost perfectly smooth.

I agree 100% with this.I also add a lot more thinner to the mix and with practice you leave yourself very little in the way of polishing etc.