I gotta quick question maybe someone can answer...
Is it a good idea to spray a coat (or two) of dull coat over a newly painted loco, prior to applying the decals? Is there any need or reason to do so, and would the Microscale solvents eat away the dull coat application?
I took the plunge and sprayed two coats of dull coat over that first attempt of my GP30 high hood build, and the results were pleasing. The dull coat toned down and evened out the black paint and blended in the decals well. And of course the dull coat gave a more muted appearance to the whole model. So it made me wonder if spraying a coat of dull coat would be a valuable step prior to decal application to even out the semi-gloss paint job.
Any thoughts? Experiences?
Wow. I can't believe that worked for you. Unless I apply decals to a glossy surface, they barely stick, and the decal film is impossible to hide. The advice I always get is to apply gloss before the decals, and dullcote after the decals.
EDIT: I misunderstood. I see you haven't tried this yet. I am guessing if you do, your results will be unsatisfactory.
I vote for dullcote after decaling. The dullcote will help hide the decal edges to a certain extent.
Usual recipe is to gloss coat anything first, then decals, then dull coat. The reason for the gloss is to get as smooth a surface to avoid air being trapped behind the decal and ruining the appearance. As Kevin notes, it usually doesn't work out when dull coating first (or applying decals to any matte finish).
Andrew
I haven't had too many problems with decals directly placed on models painted with craft paints, which has a dull finish. However, seems that the darker the paint, the more likely it is that the decal film takes on a silvery sheen due to the air underneath. Poking the needle with a pin after it dries and adding some MicroSol does help.
MasonJar Wrote:Usual recipe is to gloss coat anything first, then decals, then dull coat. The reason for the gloss is to get as smooth a surface to avoid air being trapped behind the decal and ruining the appearance. As Kevin notes, it usually doesn't work out when dull coating first (or applying decals to any matte finish). Andrew
Decals should be applied to a gloss finish, Dry Transfers, to a dull finish. Dullcoat should be the last thing applied, after weathering, preferably thinned, and just enough to take the shine off.
MasonJar Wrote:Usual recipe is to gloss coat anything first, then decals, then dull coat. The reason for the gloss is to get as smooth a surface to avoid air being trapped behind the decal and ruining the appearance. As Kevin notes, it usually doesn't work out when dull coating first (or applying decals to any matte finish).
Andrew
THIS. If you dullcote before decaling you will NOT be pleased with your result. The order is Paint-GLOSS-decal-Dullcote.
Thank you guys for stopping me from making a terrible mistake! I certainly won't spray any dull coat on till the decals are affixed. Like so many others, I've had good luck with the Microscale products to help the decals adhere to the rail car plastic shells, so I won't mess up a good system.
As an aside...I've also read painting Future Floor Wax on with a brush works well to help level the surface and dull the shine, but it takes two coats. From what I've read and been told, the first coat dries glossy and the second coat dries dull. I've got to try this one out for myself on some test car or building...as I happen to have a whole bottle of Future on the shelf. Might as well use if for something since we don't put it on the floor.
