Decals.

[Del640]

I promise, I really DO search the site for the answers but this one chucks up various solutions...

My intention was to apply decals to a Matt enamel finish.

I saw a VMS decal 2in1 solution that showed applying solution to decal location, apply decal, soften down with earbud or similar then apply varnish.

Is this a sound route or can my learned colleagues advise differently?

As usual, many thanks in advance.

Del

[AlanG]

If you apply decals to a matt finish then you are asking for trouble regarding silvering. I always apply my decals to a gloss finish then matt down with a matt varnish afterwards.

I've never used VMS before but i would presume you are correct in the solution application.

[dave]

Like Alan I always apply decals to a gloss finish. Never used VMS I use micro set and microsol

[rtfoe]

Hi Del, matt paint however way you apply it even with an airbrush and it appears smooth is still like no.1-4 course grit sand paper under a microscope. A glossed surface would probably be no.1200 fine grit under the microscope. I think you can determine which surface your decal will hug better with less air trapped underneath it. :smiling2:
Many experienced modelers still apply decals without a gloss varnish thinking their fine airbrushing is smooth enough but always encounter problems of silvering and the poor decals will get blamed. If your decals don't slide on the surface with water it's a sign it's not smooth enough.

Cheers,
Richard

[stona]

With decals, the smoother the surface the less likely you are to have problems.

I always polish the model, rub down/polish my primer and then my paint before applying a gloss coat for the decals to sit on...and I still sometimes get silvering.

Applying directly to a matt surface just increases the risk.

Cheers

Steve