Priya Kapoor
Waterslide decals are a fun way to personalise a smooth surface. They are commonly used on scale models, such as classic planes and racing cars, to add a touch of colour, detail, and authenticity. Applying waterslide decals to a matte paint surface can be tricky because the decal can trap air and cause silvering, resulting in tiny air bubbles caught in the finish. To avoid this, it is recommended to apply a gloss varnish to the area where the decal will go, wait for it to dry, and then apply the decal. Once the decal is in place and dry, a final coat of matte varnish can be applied.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Varnish | Apply a thin layer of gloss or semi-gloss varnish before applying the decal. |
| Decal solution | Use a decal solution such as Humbrol DecalFix AC6214 or Vallejo Decal Fix 73.213 & Decal Medium 73.212. |
| Air bubbles | If air bubbles appear, use a pin to prick small holes, then paint over with decal solution and press down with a moist paper towel. |
| Decal application | Apply a gloss coat to the matte paint, then apply the decal, and recoating with a flat varnish. |
| Decal adhesion | Use a decal setting solution like Micro Sol to improve adhesion and prevent air pockets. |
| Decal finish | To avoid a satin sheen, top coat the decal with a flattening agent. |
| UV protection | Apply a UV-resistant clear coat to prevent yellowing. |
| Temperature | Ensure water is at room temperature or lukewarm to avoid over-activating the adhesive. |
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What You'll Learn
Apply gloss to the matte paint first
Applying a gloss coat over a matte paint finish before placing your waterslide decals is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to ensure a smooth surface for the decal to adhere to. Matte finishes, despite feeling smooth to the touch, are not perfectly smooth at a microscopic level. A gloss coat fills in the tiny peaks and valleys of the paint's surface, providing a more even surface for the decal. This is important because it helps prevent air bubbles from becoming trapped under the decal, which can cause a "silvering" effect—a whitish or silvery appearance to the decal due to light refracting off the air bubbles.
Secondly, a gloss coat can act as a protective barrier for the paint job underneath. This is especially important if you plan to do any weathering or washing techniques on your model after applying the decals. A gloss coat will help shield the paint from any accidental damage or discolouration that may occur during these processes.
When applying a gloss coat to a matte finish, it is important to use a very thin coat to avoid glooping or unevenness. Spraying the gloss coat is generally recommended over brush painting, as brush painting can lift the previous layer of paint. It is also important to allow the gloss coat to dry completely before proceeding with the decal application.
After applying the gloss coat, you can proceed with placing your waterslide decals. Once the decals are in position and have dried, you can then apply a final coat of matte varnish to return the model to its original matte finish. This step will also help to seal and protect your model.
In summary, while it is not always necessary to apply a gloss coat to a matte finish before applying waterslide decals, it can be beneficial in ensuring a smooth surface for the decals and protecting the paint job. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve a professional-looking finish on your models or projects.
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Use a decal setting solution
Using a decal setting solution is an important step in applying waterslide decals to a matte paint surface. It is a liquid solution that helps the decal adhere better to the underlying surface. The solution essentially causes the decal film to "melt" and conform to the underlying surface, reducing the risk of air pockets forming underneath. This step is crucial because matte paints have a flattening agent that creates a rough surface with peaks and valleys. The decal setting solution helps the decal film better conform to this uneven surface, preventing air from getting trapped and causing a whitish appearance, known as "silvering".
There are several decal setting solutions available, such as Micro Sol, MicroScale Sol, Testors Decal Set, and Model Master Decal Set. These solutions are applied directly to the decal after it has been placed on the matte paint surface. It is important to use these solutions with care, as they can dissolve the dried decal film, potentially destroying the decal. Therefore, it is recommended to test the solution on a small area first to ensure compatibility.
When using a decal setting solution, it is essential to follow the instructions carefully. After applying the solution, you may need to use a second paintbrush to gently brush out any air bubbles that may have formed. Once the decal is in place, you can use a moist paper towel to press down on it, ensuring a smooth finish.
While a decal setting solution improves adhesion, it may not completely eliminate the issue of air bubbles. If you notice air bubbles under the decal once it is dry, use a pin to prick small holes, then paint over the decal with the solution again and press down with a moist paper towel. This should help eliminate any remaining air pockets.
In addition to using a decal setting solution, some modellers recommend applying a gloss coat to the matte paint surface before applying the decals. This provides an even surface for the decals to adhere to and can help prevent silvering. Once the decals are applied and dry, you can recoating the model with a matte varnish to restore the desired matte finish.
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Let the decal dry
When applying waterslide decals to a matte paint, it is important to let the decal dry completely. This typically takes at least 3 hours, but it may vary depending on the type of decal and the environment. During this time, avoid exposing the decal to direct sunlight.
Once the decal is dry, you can apply a thin layer of gloss or matte varnish to seal it. This will help protect the decal and ensure its longevity. It is important to choose a varnish that is compatible with the decal and the underlying paint. Test a small area first to ensure that the varnish does not cause any discolouration or milky appearance.
If you are applying waterslide decals to a model, you may want to consider using a decal-setting solution in addition to or instead of varnish. This will help the decal adhere better to the underlying paint and prevent air bubbles or "silvering". Decal-setting solutions, such as Micro Sol, cause the decal film to "melt" onto the surface, conforming to the texture beneath it.
After applying the varnish or decal-setting solution, allow it to dry completely before handling the object or applying any additional coatings. This will ensure that your waterslide decals are securely attached and will not be damaged during subsequent steps.
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Seal the decal with varnish
To seal the decal with varnish, first, ensure that your final paint job is completely dry. Next, apply one or two thin layers of gloss or semi-gloss varnish to create a smooth surface for the decal to adhere to. A matte or flat paint finish may be aesthetically preferable, but it can reduce the points of contact for the decal and cause air bubbles to become trapped beneath it, leading to a phenomenon known as "silvering."
Once you have applied the varnish, make sure it is completely dry before proceeding to apply your decals. You can use a hair dryer to speed up the curing process, but be sure to hold it at a safe distance and move it evenly across the surface. After applying your decals, you can choose to seal them with another layer of varnish. This will protect the decals and ensure they adhere firmly to the surface.
When selecting a varnish, opt for a product that is compatible with your decals and will not react negatively to the underlying paint. Test a small area first to ensure there are no issues with compatibility. Some recommended products include Testor's Glosscote and Dullcote aerosols, Humbrol Matte, Satin & Gloss Acrylic Varnishes, and Halfords Clear Lacquer.
It is important to note that different sealants may perform differently, and factors such as humidity and weather can impact their effectiveness. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cure times, and consider performing a test to determine the optimal cure time for your specific project.
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Use a decal fixative solution
When applying waterslide decals to a matte paint finish, using a decal fixative solution can improve the adhesion of the decal and prevent air bubbles from forming underneath.
Firstly, it is important to note that a matte or flat paint finish may not be the best option for applying decals, as it reduces the points of contact for the decal and can lead to air pockets forming beneath the decal, causing a "silvering" effect. This is due to the flattening agents in matte paints, which create a rough surface with peaks and valleys, causing light to refract and be absorbed, resulting in a non-glossy appearance.
To mitigate this issue, you can use a decal fixative solution, such as Humbrol DecalFix AC6214 or Vallejo Decal Fix 73.213 & Decal Medium 73.212. These solutions are typically applied in two steps: once before placing the decal and once after. The solution helps the decal film "melt" onto the surface, conforming to the underlying texture and creating a stronger bond. This also prevents air pockets from forming, reducing the chances of the decal flaking off.
However, using a decal fixative solution on a matte surface may result in a satin sheen, which can stand out from the desired flat finish. To address this, you may need to apply a top coat or a clear coat to flatten the sheen. It is recommended to test the compatibility of the decal fixative solution and the top coat or clear coat with your chosen decals before proceeding with the application.
Additionally, when applying the decal fixative solution, follow the manufacturer's instructions and allow adequate cure time for the solution to dry completely before proceeding to the next steps.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to apply a gloss coat to the area of matte paint where you want to place your decals. Once the gloss coat is dry, apply the decals and then recoat with a flat varnish. This will help to prevent air bubbles from forming under the decal, which can cause "silvering".
Matte paints contain a flattening agent that creates a non-smooth surface with peaks and valleys. This causes light to refract at various angles and be absorbed by the agent. The decal film cannot conform to this rough surface, trapping air between the decal and the surface, which leads to "silvering".
Before applying your decals, you can use a decal setting solution, such as Micro Sol, to help the decal film adhere to the surface and reduce air pockets. Alternatively, you can apply a thin layer of varnish or Klear to create a gloss or semi-gloss finish before applying your decals.
