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Starfury Lieutenant Commander
Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 302
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject: Putting on decals |
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I've finally found a bit of time to finish off my latest batch of Gorn ships (will post pics of my fleet someday) and would like opinions on decals.
When I put the decals on you can see the shine/outline of the decal. I can't remember whether or not I need to gloss coat, decal, then dullcote the miniature.
Any opinions will be appreciated. |
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djdood Commodore
Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 3413 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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You've got it right.
Gloss-coat (or spray with Future), apply decals, swab off excess decal glue, allow to dry, then dull-coat.
Some folks (like me) use gloss paints for the base-coat and forgo the initial gloss-coat stage.
Another couple of tips:
- Trimming the decal as close to the art as possible reduces the amount of clear carrier-film that can show.
- Swabbing off the excess decal adhesive and using solvents like Micro-Sol/Set can help reduce "silvering".
- Gloss-coating the mini after the decals dry provides a thicker more protective clear-coat which protects better against handling.
Since it is thicker, it also tends to hide the edges of decal film.
Some folks spray a coat of Future instead. I've also heard of just dunking the mini in Future, but I'd be afraid of pooling and drips.
A dull-coat can be applied over the gloss-coat to cut the shine. Dull-coat alone tends to be too thin and gets rubbed-through easily (allowing damage to the decals). _________________
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Starfury Lieutenant Commander
Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 302
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject: |
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I'll have to give that a shot; only done 4/11 so the rest I'll be able to blend in the decals. This is assuming I get any time this week between homework w/ the kids, afternoon activities and family time. |
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Starfury Lieutenant Commander
Joined: 03 Nov 2006 Posts: 302
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject: |
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I took one of my completed test miniatures w/ decals on the flat paint and hit it with a coat of the Wal-Mart brand clear. The decal blended in to where you had to look real hard to see the lines. A 2nd coat of dullcoat brought the shine down to a reasonable level. Hopefully they'll get finished off this weekend. |
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djdood Commodore
Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 3413 Location: Seattle, WA
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 4:36 pm Post subject: |
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Cool. I'm glad that is working for you.
Post pictures when they're done!! _________________
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OGOPTIMUS Captain
Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 980
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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I'm glad to hear that too. I'm trying out some new more generic brand (Krylon) clearcoats too, and I was worried that they'd destroy the decals and all my hard work.
Can't wait to see some pictures too! _________________ O.G. OPTIMUS
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Scoutdad Commodore
Joined: 09 Oct 2006 Posts: 4754 Location: Middle Tennessee
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Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2008 6:51 pm Post subject: |
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Never had any luck using the "other" brands of clear coat. It seems that if use anything other than Armory or Floquil... I ruin the miniature and have to start over.
I must be doing something wrong... _________________ Commander, Battlegroup Murfreesboro
Department Head, ACTASF |
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