Decal Protection

Patrick Jul 26, 2000

  1. Patrick

    Patrick Guest

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    After applying decals, for example to certain spine car units after painting, do you then spray something like Testor's Dull Coat or Microscales Micro Coat over the entire car to protect the decals?

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    Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI
     
  2. Justin May

    Justin May TrainBoard Member

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    Patrick,
    I use a 50/50 solution of dullcote, and glosscoat, as it gives an excellent sheen n the cars sides, and from this point I weather my cars moderately. I would also and have used dullcote full strength, but use it in bottle form rather than spray can, as it is applied in a more even coat, and will not spot or whiten the paint job,sometimes the cans will do this, if you get some older stock or if it is too close to the model- best bet airbrush it on. Regardless of the strengths or solutions, use either mix to seal the decals, as they will not cooperate if they are not sealed over a period of time. The MS solutions are primarily used to settle the decals or soften them, there may be a sealent produced, but I am unaware if it is available. Hope this helps and have a good one, Justin May
     
  3. Alan

    Alan Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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  4. ncng

    ncng TrainBoard Member

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    Yes Microscale offers coatings for this purpose. They offer gloss, semi-gloss and flat. They are water based and airbrush on. They have given me excellent results.
     
  5. Eagle2

    Eagle2 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I use DullCote from a spray can. It's quick and easy, and it preps the model well for chalk weathering. I've also found that applying rubbing alcohol over the dullcote produces a credible result on galvanized roofs - looks old and worn.

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    Jenks - the REAL Big Blue
     
  6. Patrick

    Patrick Guest

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    Thanks to all of you for your informatiom [​IMG].

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    Residing in BNSF's St. Croix Subdivision near Trempealeau, WI
     
  7. Craig Martyn

    Craig Martyn TrainBoard Member

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    I use Accu Paint (NOT Accuflex which is water based...Accu Paint is oil based)with all my custom painting and they have some really nice finishes. Off the top of my head I know they have a satin, semi-gloss, medium gloss and gloss. The cool thing about them is that since they come in bottles, you can mix your own blend to get the perfect affect for what you are doing.

    Good luck!

    PS. What works for me or any one else may not work for you so make sure to really use a wide veriety of finishes. Good luck!


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    Craig Martyn

    Best Looking Models Around
    Custom detailing

    AND N scale detail parts.

    BLMA N Scale Detail Parts
     
  8. MOPAC 1

    MOPAC 1 TrainBoard Member

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    I too use Dullcoat from the can. I like the way it softens the decal film while it's wet, so the decal will conform to the contours better. The trick is to hold the can farther away from the object, and use short strokes. A light coat is better than a heavy coat.

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    MOPAC 1
     
  9. Maxwell Plant

    Maxwell Plant TrainBoard Member

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    I use Ral Partha water based paints shot through a Bagger single action gun. I then spray the item with Testors Gloss through the gun. Decals are set with MicroScale Solva-Set and then dried using a hair drier set on LOW TEMP and air speed. I then shoot the item with Testors Semi-gloss or Dull-coat and use the drier again. Semi-Gloss or Dull-coat depends on the "age" of the item and so does the weathering.

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    BNSF RAILFAN-TO-THE-MAX!
    Brent Tidaback, Member #234 and a N-Scaler to boot!
     

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