Protect decals

[erased]

So what do you guys do to protect the decals when done? Do you spray over them with TS13 clear for example or what?

[aur0ra145]

I usually got with Alclad Aquagloss.

[Kevthemodeller]

X22 works for me

[erased]

I have heard that the tamiya clear coat will damage the decals like wrinkle them. I have like 50 unbuilt tamiya 1/12 MC and 1/20 F1 ive collected over the last 15 years.. Last time i built a model was 15 years was 15 years ago or so when i was 14.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I have heard that the tamiya clear coat will damage the decals like wrinkle them. I have like 50 unbuilt tamiya 1/12 MC and 1/20 F1 ive collected over the last 15 years.. Last time i built a model was 15 years was 15 years ago or so when i was 14.

Yes they can and I have had that happen to me
If you get too much thinner in the mix and apply too thick, the decals can be eaten
Also applies to the GX line of Mr Color clears

[erased]

I have heard that the tamiya clear coat will damage the decals like wrinkle them. I have like 50 unbuilt tamiya 1/12 MC and 1/20 F1 ive collected over the last 15 years.. Last time i built a model was 15 years was 15 years ago or so when i was 14.

Yes they can and I have had that happen to me
If you get too much thinner in the mix and apply too thick, the decals can be eaten
Also applies to the GX line of Mr Color clears

One guy here in sweden told me a few years ago to apply 2-3 misted coates quick onto the model with the ts13, then they wont damage them.

[Twokidsnosleep]

I have heard that the tamiya clear coat will damage the decals like wrinkle them. I have like 50 unbuilt tamiya 1/12 MC and 1/20 F1 ive collected over the last 15 years.. Last time i built a model was 15 years was 15 years ago or so when i was 14.

Yes they can and I have had that happen to me
If you get too much thinner in the mix and apply too thick, the decals can be eaten
Also applies to the GX line of Mr Color clears

One guy here in sweden told me a few years ago to apply 2-3 misted coates quick onto the model with the ts13, then they wont damage them.

Yes if you can, thin layer to minimize thinner and seal the decals...then a heavy wet layer for the clear shine
The latter ruined my F1 Lotus paint

[Stokesy44]

It depends on what I'm doing next but the short answer is a varnish - every time.

Tanks. I usually apply dot oil filters on tanks and they are done after the decals. I filter on a matt finish so its a matt varnish that's needed on the decals.

For aircraft, the next step for me after decals is a clay wash and I like that on a gloss finish so its a gloss varnish that's needed.

For matt I use AK Ultra Matt, as there are so few decals on tanks I brush it on. For gloss its Aqua Gloss through the airbrush. Both undiluted.

Happy varnishing

[Panzón]

If I want a gloss finish, I use Createx Gloss Clear Coat thinned with 10% Createx 4011 thinner. If I want to weather over the decal with acrylic paints or dry pigments, I spray the model with a light coat of Krylon Matte finish. I haven't had any problems with either product.

[digger303]

x-22 is all I use