Pup7309 Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 (edited) Just wondering WNW mentions that the surface for decals needs to be gloss paint not just a gloss coat. Or am I reading this wrong? Anyone have any tips or experience with applying large lozenge decals? And decal solutions- are a good idea or an optional extra? Dont want to botch my first job! Edited January 12, 2019 by Pup7309 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thierry laurent Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 Very frankly this puzzled me as well. To me the fact a decal is correctly sticking to a surface is a mechanical/physical question and not a chemical one! As I do not really see a difference between polished plastic, gloss paint or a clear coat, this does not seem relevant from that perspective. I rather think they recommend paint as this may be useful for the small areas not covered by the decals. I do not see any other logical reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelingbob Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 (edited) For some reason that I can not understand, water slide decals stick better to a painted surface versus bare plastic. In some instances (especially acrylic gloss), the decal solvents may react with the gloss and bond better. I have experienced this especially with Future, and in some instances I can not remove the decal with the usual tape pulI method because they have bonded to the Future. I have used both a gloss clear, and gloss paints without any issues, but I mostly use gloss paints for big decals like lozenge. If you go the gloss paint route, the underlying gloss color may change the decal color slightly so it's best to do a test run first to make sure you are getting the end color you want on your decals. WNW says to not use decal solutions, but I use a mild solution of Microsol (thinned 1:1 with distilled water). Edited January 12, 2019 by modelingbob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Mike Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 For setting decals on WNW kits I use pure Microsol/set. no issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ron Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 Yes, water slide decals do not stick well to bare plastic. I've used microsol/set on WNW lozenge decals on several builds and the system works great LSP_K2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John1 Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 (edited) 5 hours ago, LSP_Ron said: Yes, water slide decals do not stick well to bare plastic. I've used microsol/set on WNW lozenge decals on several builds and the system works great Funny, I always heard the opposite. I think their instructions tell you not to use setting solutions and instead use the "hairdryer" method. Honestly, I've always found Wingnut's lozenge decals to be pretty thick and tough to get to settle properly on wing tips, leading edges, etc. Edited January 13, 2019 by John1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Mike Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 John, I've settled in and applied microsol/set for 15-20 minutes. Essentially keeping the surface wet. I have found the decals to be pretty tough as well, and that is my approach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_K2 Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 Yep, as Ron correctly points out, decals seldom seem to stick well to bare plastic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ray Posted January 12, 2019 Share Posted January 12, 2019 I thought for some of the lozenge decals they like a tan/dope color under it? Or is that Aviattic decals? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LSP_Ron Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 1 hour ago, LSP_Ray said: I thought for some of the lozenge decals they like a tan/dope color under it? Or is that Aviattic decals? Correct, the decals are a bit translucent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thierry laurent Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 If the plastic is highly polished adherence of decals is excellent. However I do not recommend that approach except for clear parts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ringleheim Posted January 13, 2019 Share Posted January 13, 2019 On 1/12/2019 at 2:18 AM, Pup7309 said: Just wondering WNW mentions that the surface for decals needs to be gloss paint not just a gloss coat. Or am I reading this wrong? Anyone have any tips or experience with applying large lozenge decals? And decal solutions- are a good idea or an optional extra? Dont want to botch my first job! Yes, you have that right; they suggest applying the decals to gloss paint and not just a clear coat. That has always confused me and seems to make zero sense. I always apply their lozenge decals to a gloss clear coat which sits on top of my color coats. I also always use a hair dryer and decal setting solutions, which work great. IMO, they warn against decal setting solutions simply b/c there is some chance the decals will be harmed and maybe they don't want to hassle with customers who have screwed up their decals. Their lozenge decals work very well IMO and you can get them to sit down very well using the techniques I mentioned above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pup7309 Posted January 16, 2019 Author Share Posted January 16, 2019 So do large decals go better on acrylic/ water or enamel/solvent based paints or doesn’t it matter? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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