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Putting on decals

 
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Starfury
Lieutenant Commander


Joined: 03 Nov 2006
Posts: 302

PostPosted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:12 pm    Post subject: Putting on decals Reply with quote

I've finally found a bit of time to finish off my latest batch of Gorn ships (will post pics of my fleet someday) and would like opinions on decals.

When I put the decals on you can see the shine/outline of the decal. I can't remember whether or not I need to gloss coat, decal, then dullcote the miniature.

Any opinions will be appreciated.
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djdood
Commodore


Joined: 01 Feb 2007
Posts: 3412
Location: Seattle, WA

PostPosted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

You've got it right.
Gloss-coat (or spray with Future), apply decals, swab off excess decal glue, allow to dry, then dull-coat.

Some folks (like me) use gloss paints for the base-coat and forgo the initial gloss-coat stage.

Another couple of tips:
- Trimming the decal as close to the art as possible reduces the amount of clear carrier-film that can show.
- Swabbing off the excess decal adhesive and using solvents like Micro-Sol/Set can help reduce "silvering".
- Gloss-coating the mini after the decals dry provides a thicker more protective clear-coat which protects better against handling.
Since it is thicker, it also tends to hide the edges of decal film.
Some folks spray a coat of Future instead. I've also heard of just dunking the mini in Future, but I'd be afraid of pooling and drips.
A dull-coat can be applied over the gloss-coat to cut the shine. Dull-coat alone tends to be too thin and gets rubbed-through easily (allowing damage to the decals).
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Starfury
Lieutenant Commander


Joined: 03 Nov 2006
Posts: 302

PostPosted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'll have to give that a shot; only done 4/11 so the rest I'll be able to blend in the decals. This is assuming I get any time this week between homework w/ the kids, afternoon activities and family time.
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Starfury
Lieutenant Commander


Joined: 03 Nov 2006
Posts: 302

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I took one of my completed test miniatures w/ decals on the flat paint and hit it with a coat of the Wal-Mart brand clear. The decal blended in to where you had to look real hard to see the lines. A 2nd coat of dullcoat brought the shine down to a reasonable level. Hopefully they'll get finished off this weekend.
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djdood
Commodore


Joined: 01 Feb 2007
Posts: 3412
Location: Seattle, WA

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Cool. I'm glad that is working for you.
Post pictures when they're done!!
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OGOPTIMUS
Captain


Joined: 10 Nov 2006
Posts: 980

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm glad to hear that too. I'm trying out some new more generic brand (Krylon) clearcoats too, and I was worried that they'd destroy the decals and all my hard work.

Can't wait to see some pictures too!
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Scoutdad
Commodore


Joined: 09 Oct 2006
Posts: 4754
Location: Middle Tennessee

PostPosted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Never had any luck using the "other" brands of clear coat. It seems that if use anything other than Armory or Floquil... I ruin the miniature and have to start over.

I must be doing something wrong... Sad
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