Can you apply decals to non-glossy surfaces?

[TheTroyster]

Does anyone have any feedback on applying decals to surfaces that are Flat Coated, or Semi-gloss, or are they always applied to a gloss surface? I just hate applying gloss varnish to any model?

If so, then, pray tell, what you used, and how were the results?

[Stokesy44]

Before the revolution that I call modern model making (before I did any kind of kit research or used the net) I never did a gloss coat. The result was always silvering round the edges for full colour decals and silvering all through stencil type decals. Decals were also harder to place as they sucked down on impact and were hard to move once down.

A far as I know, the rule is gloss or be damned I'm afraid, particularly as its integral to a lot of weathering processes too.

I gloss therefore I am

[Lysus]

I've done so in years gone by, and though I'm not the best person to answer your question, i do know that on bare paint or a gloss paint they'll stick just fine. The problem comes from the edges and how well you can make them conform. Without a nice coat, the edges will show up more and clash with the matte/semi-gloss of the paint more easily. If you want to use a solution or solvent to help them conform it may damage exposed paint.

[Lysus]

[

Decals were also harder to place as they sucked down on impact and were hard to move once down.

Also this. My recollection is you'll have about two seconds to get that sucker in place how you want.

[Stokesy44]

[

Decals were also harder to place as they sucked down on impact and were hard to move once down.

Also this. My recollection is you'll have about two seconds to get that sucker in place how you want.

True - it could certainly be a horror show!

[Twokidsnosleep]

You can cheat a little and just gloss the area under the decal say by brushing acrylic floor cleaner like Future let it dry well and then apply the decal.
Future is self levelling and applies well with a soft brush

[Lysus]

You can cheat a little and just gloss the area under the decal say by brushing acrylic floor cleaner like Future let it dry well and then apply the decal.
Future is self levelling and applies well with a soft brush

That sounds like a good work around if you're really not wanting to gloss coat. Maybe try it on a bench mule and see what happens?

Also, I just remembered I meant to pick up a bench mule for myself this week.

[Twokidsnosleep]

You can cheat a little and just gloss the area under the decal say by brushing acrylic floor cleaner like Future let it dry well and then apply the decal.
Future is self levelling and applies well with a soft brush

That sounds like a good work around if you're really not wanting to gloss coat. Maybe try it on a bench mule and see what happens?

Also, I just remembered I meant to pick up a bench mule for myself this week.

Here ya go



Whew, that was a lot of mouse clicking for that image joke, I need a rest
Thanks for the set up on the joke,though

[Lysus]

You can cheat a little and just gloss the area under the decal say by brushing acrylic floor cleaner like Future let it dry well and then apply the decal.
Future is self levelling and applies well with a soft brush

That sounds like a good work around if you're really not wanting to gloss coat. Maybe try it on a bench mule and see what happens?

Also, I just remembered I meant to pick up a bench mule for myself this week.

Here ya go



Whew, that was a lot of mouse clicking for that image joke, I need a rest
Thanks for the set up on the joke,though

Yeah, it's important not to strain yourself too much after I toss a meatball like that--you gotta swing for the fence!

[HamilkarBarkas]

I started to use glossy varnish very recently. Decals work most of the time on matt surfaces, but you are without a doubt much safer on a glossy surface. However, decals can silver even on glossy surfaces simply because they are not good. In my opinion there is not really a right or wrong in this case, there is just a more preferable way of doing it.

[Willem]

I seem to remember Will Pattinson talking about this. It's all to do with your paint finish. If you can get your finish DEAD smooth you can get away without a gloss coat.

I've not been brave enough to try it myself.

[kruno59]

Have a look at this - this guy is a master!

[Lysus]

Somebody needs to give Budzik an award for his videos, I can watch them for hours...

[Stokesy44]

I started to use glossy varnish very recently. Decals work most of the time on matt surfaces, but you are without a doubt much safer on a glossy surface. However, decals can silver even on glossy surfaces simply because they are not good. In my opinion there is not really a right or wrong in this case, there is just a more preferable way of doing it.

Do, or do not. There is no try.

[wookiee76]

On armour as there is normally only a few decals i tend not to bother with a gloss coat. If your paint is nice and smooth you can get away with it, plus on a tank any silvering can be covered with weathering.

[TheTroyster]

Have a look at this - this guy is a master!

I really do not like it when people put up links to this guy's YouTube Videos - the second I watch them I am ready to throw in the towel and call it quits on building models, because next to him ---I SUUUUCCCCK.

[TheTroyster]

Yep, sounds like the glossy coat is maybe the better way to go, esp on planes and autos - although I have decided to use stencils on my armor and just spray them on - tried this on my last build and it was great!

Are there such things as 'decal stickers' I wonder?

[Lysus]

Heh, well, there's stickers. Bandai tends to use them and they are not fun. Thick, they take paint off if you try to remover them, require lots of trimming to get the excess off...

And yeah, watching Budzik makes me feel pretty much like a chimp with a hammer and brush by comparison, but it's also mesmerizing.

[Vleugelmoer]

The application of the decals to a mat surface in itself is possible. The adhesion of the decal wil however be compromised by the porus surface of the paint. The porus surface also traps traps air under the decal causing a silvering sheen to appear. To avoid this most modelers seal this porus surface with either a gloss varnish, wax or a sealer like Vallejo decal medium.

As always happy modeling and keep sticking styrene.

Paul

P.s. There are also dry transfers available on the market which can be applied directly. These are basicly rub on decals

[HamilkarBarkas]

Silvering is real!

[Vleugelmoer]

Silvering is real!

Or is it just a shiny sticker don't think they use water slide decals on the real thing

[HamilkarBarkas]

Or is it just a shiny sticker don't think they use water slide decals on the real thing

Implying that a sticker can not silver, too. The insigina is printed on a sticky adhesive foil, therefore it looks not like painted on at all (the look we all go for on your models. It is right for most vehicles, but not for modern ones it seems).

[Vleugelmoer]

Or is it just a shiny sticker don't think they use water slide decals on the real thing

Implying that a sticker can not silver, too. The insignia is printed on a sticky adhesive foil, therefore it looks not like painted on at all (the look we all go for on your models. It is right for most vehicles, but not for modern ones it seems).

as most adhesive stickers are printed on thick white opaque vinyl backing makes silvering like we know it in modeling non existent. Most of this backing paper for high end large stickers also have tiny holes perforated in the backing its printed on making the inclusion of air under it even less likely. With all these possibilities eliminated it leaves the finish of the paint / ink or even the backing itself that might cause a semi mat or glossy appearance. I have done many a sticker application on mainly commercial, private and military aircraft to be in the know and well versed on the subject matter and am happy to go into all the nitty gritty with you if you so please..

[HamilkarBarkas]

as most adhesive stickers are printed on thick white opaque vinyl backing makes silvering like we know it in modeling non existent. Most of this backing paper for high end large stickers also have tiny holes perforated in the backing its printed on making the inclusion of air under it even less likely. With all these possibilities eliminated it leaves the finish of the paint / ink or even the backing itself that might cause a semi mat or glossy appearance. I have done many a sticker application on mainly commercial, private and military aircraft to be in the know and well versed on the subject matter and am happy to go into all the nitty gritty with you if you so please..

Congratulations, you won a hiking tour to Switzerland.

[Vleugelmoer]

Congratulations, you won a hiking tour to Switzerland.

I am actually in Switzerland on a regular basis either for work at Swiss in Zurich or for Scouting in Kandersteg wonderful hiking and climbing opportunities there. As I won the price where do I go to collect

[HamilkarBarkas]

I am actually in Switzerland on a regular basis either for work at Swiss in Zurich or for Scouting in Kandersteg wonderful hiking and climbing opportunities there. As I won the price where do I go to collect

Put on your hiking shoes and walk to Switzerland. You chose when you depart of course.

[digger303]

Have a look at this - this guy is a master!

You ain't wrong there. I feel like I belong back in kindergarten.