b dylan Posted October 22, 2017 Share #1 Posted October 22, 2017 I would appreciate any comments on how to achieve a proper appearance for application of decals on a wood model. I am wanting to achieve a weathered, matte finish. This is a trial picture that demonstrates a shiny appearance of the decal on the matte finish. I obviously do not like this appearance and would like to see the decal blended into the wood better, without the shiny, stuck on appearance. I have painted and weathered the wood and then applied a matte spray finish. I then applied the decal and used Microsol to try to soften the decal. Any input on how to achieve a better result is appreciated. Thanks b dylan. Archi 1 Quote Current Build - Confederacy Completed Builds - Amati Revenge, USN Picket, US Brig Syren, Mayflower, Hannah SIB, Concord Stagecoach Completed Scratch Build - Ship in Bottle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtaylor Posted October 22, 2017 Share #2 Posted October 22, 2017 (edited) Try trimming the clear off closer to the "ink" first. Also many spray the matte finish after the decal is in place and dry. I'm sure others may have a better technique. Edited October 22, 2017 by mtaylor Robin Lous and Jack12477 2 Quote Mark "The shipwright is slow, but the wood is patient." - me Current Build: Past Builds: La Belle Poule 1765 - French Frigate from ANCRE plans - ON HOLD Triton Cross-Section NRG Hallf Hull Planking Kit HMS Sphinx 1775 - Vanguard Models - 1:64 Non-Ship Model: On hold, maybe forever: CH-53 Sikorsky - 1:48 - Revell - Completed Licorne - 1755 from Hahn Plans (Scratch) Version 2.0 (Abandoned) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack12477 Posted October 22, 2017 Share #3 Posted October 22, 2017 Try using Microsol GLOSS on the area of the wood where you intend to place the decal. Place the decal, use Microsol SET to "set it down", when dry use Microsol FLAT to flatten the glossy look; then over spray with a matte finish. Decals (at least water decals) work best on a gloss surface. Canute, secharles, reklein and 1 other 4 Quote Jack "No one is as smart as all of us" - Is ón cheann a thagann an cheird The craft comes from the head --------------------------------------------- Current build: US Constellation Non-ship builds: USCG UH-65A Dolphin M16 Multi-gun motor carriage diorama M4A3 Sherman Tanks dioramas 1936-1939 Mercedes Benz 540K 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II JSDF Light Armor Vehicle Figures: The Last Bridge: Raider Reaper Edge of Universe: Ianis The Last Bridge: Vadim with cart Completed build log(s): 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne, Willie L Bennett 1888 50 ft Gaff-rigged Ice Yacht Scratch Build The Sullivans (DD 537) Liberty Ship SS John W Brown USS England (DE 635), Artesania Latina Titanic Lifeboat Gallery: Swift , Armed Virginia Sloop, Santisima Trinidad Captain's Launch , 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne Other: Rhinebeck Aerodrome Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canute Posted October 22, 2017 Share #4 Posted October 22, 2017 Like Jack says, gloss coat where you want the decals. Cut the decals as close to the color as you can and put it in some water. The decal slides off and you take a fine implement to lift the decal from the water and place it where you need it. Coat it with Microset and leave it alone. The decal may pucker up; don't touch it. After it dries check for silvering (where air gets trapped under the decal). Prick a few holes in the silvering and reapply the MicroSet. After all traces of silvering are gone, clean up any watermarks and apply a gloss coat. Jack12477 and mtaylor 2 Quote Ken Started: MS Bounty Longboat, On Hold: Heinkel USS Choctaw paper Down the road: Shipyard HMC Alert 1/96 paper, Mamoli Constitution Cross, MS USN Picket Boat #1 Scratchbuild: Echo Cross Section Member Nautical Research Guild Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b dylan Posted October 23, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted October 23, 2017 Thanks for the feedback. I'll trim a little closer, as well as apply a gloss before placing the decal . I gather I can apply the matte finish on top of the decal and the area with gloss. I'll do a test first, but sounds like this should do the trick. Thank you reklein, Canute and mtaylor 3 Quote Current Build - Confederacy Completed Builds - Amati Revenge, USN Picket, US Brig Syren, Mayflower, Hannah SIB, Concord Stagecoach Completed Scratch Build - Ship in Bottle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack12477 Posted October 23, 2017 Share #6 Posted October 23, 2017 Yes! After the decal sets and dries, apply either Microsol Gloss or Flat to seal the decal, let it dry completely, then apply your matte finish over the Microsol mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Jack "No one is as smart as all of us" - Is ón cheann a thagann an cheird The craft comes from the head --------------------------------------------- Current build: US Constellation Non-ship builds: USCG UH-65A Dolphin M16 Multi-gun motor carriage diorama M4A3 Sherman Tanks dioramas 1936-1939 Mercedes Benz 540K 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II JSDF Light Armor Vehicle Figures: The Last Bridge: Raider Reaper Edge of Universe: Ianis The Last Bridge: Vadim with cart Completed build log(s): 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne, Willie L Bennett 1888 50 ft Gaff-rigged Ice Yacht Scratch Build The Sullivans (DD 537) Liberty Ship SS John W Brown USS England (DE 635), Artesania Latina Titanic Lifeboat Gallery: Swift , Armed Virginia Sloop, Santisima Trinidad Captain's Launch , 18th Century Longboat , Marie Jeanne Other: Rhinebeck Aerodrome Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaceman Spiff Posted October 27, 2017 Share #7 Posted October 27, 2017 On 10/22/2017 at 12:35 PM, b dylan said: I would appreciate any comments on how to achieve a proper appearance for application of decals on a wood model. I am wanting to achieve a weathered, matte finish. This is a trial picture that demonstrates a shiny appearance of the decal on the matte finish. I obviously do not like this appearance and would like to see the decal blended into the wood better, without the shiny, stuck on appearance. I have painted and weathered the wood and then applied a matte spray finish. I then applied the decal and used Microsol to try to soften the decal. Any input on how to achieve a better result is appreciated. Thanks b dylan. Future floor polish (the acrylic kind) is the best. Can be brushed or airbrushed. It levels very well and provides an excellent base and reduces silvering. Also a great setter, too. Once is dry, it can take any covering. Archi, mtaylor, reklein and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b dylan Posted October 28, 2017 Author Share #8 Posted October 28, 2017 Sounds like a good idea. I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks. mtaylor and Canute 2 Quote Current Build - Confederacy Completed Builds - Amati Revenge, USN Picket, US Brig Syren, Mayflower, Hannah SIB, Concord Stagecoach Completed Scratch Build - Ship in Bottle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b dylan Posted November 3, 2017 Author Share #9 Posted November 3, 2017 Just a followup. I did a test with Future floor polish (Pledge), acrylic liquid. Applied as a gloss base. Then applied a decal. Followed by a spray matte dullcote. This approach worked very well. The decal looks much better, no edges seen. The photo demonstrates the matte finish over the site of the decal compared to the adjacent gloss finish. Thanks for the advice. Archi, Canute, mtaylor and 1 other 4 Quote Current Build - Confederacy Completed Builds - Amati Revenge, USN Picket, US Brig Syren, Mayflower, Hannah SIB, Concord Stagecoach Completed Scratch Build - Ship in Bottle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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