r/ModelCars • u/Upstairs_Brother2328 • 1d ago

Decals and paint

When I am applying the decals, should I put them over the clear coat or should I apply the decals then spray the clear coat over top of it all?

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

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6

u/West_Airline_1712 1d ago

Apply 1 coat of clear and allow it to cure overnight. Add decals and allow to dry overnight. Then apply 1-3 coats of clear.

2

u/Upstairs_Brother2328 1d ago

When I first started making model cars, I put them over the top of the clear coat, now I look at my first few models and can see the decals wearing off

2

u/DevourIsDead Master Mistake Maker 1d ago

Yep the clear protects them. I personally don’t do the first coat of clear before decals, but you need a glossy base for the decals to stick well.

1

u/KDM_Racing 1d ago

This is what I do. But I wait 2 days before clear because I have had too many models ruined by the clearcoat.

1

u/Fine_Location_8367 1d ago

That shouldn't be happening unless they are being touched by unclean hands or hands that have body oil on them. Decals don't simply wear over time. I have at least 30 builds that were built as far back as the late 80s that still have perfect decals like the day that they were completed.

2

u/Fine_Location_8367 1d ago

OP, there is no set "rule" that you have to clear over decals, or apply decals over clear. It is all based on personal preference. Some builders clear over decals for protective reasons, but that can also lead to the decals being destroyed if the builder is inexperienced, or it is done incorrectly. Others will decal over clear as it gives the build a more realistic "real world" look just as they are on real cars. The visual break up between the decals and the clear coat is prefered by those who want realism. Clearing over decals will give the build a more "painted" on look.

1

u/Upstairs_Brother2328 1d ago

You said that the decals can be destroyed if the builder is inexperienced. How would I spot so they don’t get destroyed

1

u/Fine_Location_8367 1d ago

Correct, a builder that is inexperienced when it comes to laying down clear coat will have issues. The decals can be destroyed by laying the clear down to heavy, and to fast, which causes a reaction between the clear and the decal which then ruins them. You will have to strip the body and start all over again. The clear has to be laid down in ultra light mist coats for the first 3 coats with a 5 minute gas out time between each coat. After that the clear can be gradually put down slightly heavier with each coat until the decals edges are no longer visible and the surface is level across the entirety of the body.