Hey y'all, I bought an undecorated MP 2-8-2. I figured since I'm only adding decals to an already black locomotive, all I need to do is mask off the areas that I'm NOT adding decals to and spray some Testors Glosscote before I add decals. I let cure for two days. When I went to apply decals, the Microscale Micro-Set seemed to dissolve the Glosscote. I've had success doing this on other rolling stock. Would this not normally be a good approach? Is this a situation where I need to apply paint? If I need to apply paint, can someone advise on how to remove the shell on the Model Power 2-8-2? Am I missing something? Thanks in advance. Dan
I rarely apply glosscote before applying decals even though I know it's frequently recommended.......and when I do I paint the entire item. Your undecorated black loco, was probably plenty smooth for applying decals........the smooth surface is why you apply the glosscote. Microset is designed to cut the oils in paint to help the decals stick better....apparently it cut the glosscote in your case. I always use Walthers Solvaset for setting my decals and have never had any issues. I then follow up with a coat of either glosscote or dullcote.......usually dullcote to remove the plastic (and decal) shine.
Same here. I always apply decals on whatever finish is on the engine and then coat with flat afterwards. It seems like once I use gloss coat or semi gloss coat the engine never seems to be dull or flat afterwards no matter what I do to it.
