How do you handle decal ghosting

Since most scale models have a dull matte finish when applying decals the decals will be glossy and stand out. Do you first paint the model in gloss paint, apply the decals then spray with clear matte to finish and seal the entire model?
Or do you paint in a matte paint, apply the decals, then apply a brush on dull coat over the decals.
What has worked best for ya'll.

You actually touch upon two issues - one is the silvering that can occur when a decal is overlaid upon a matte paint surface, and the second is the difference in sheen between the paint and the decal's surface.

The first problem can be solved by first gloss-coating the matte paint before laying down the decals. Various decal setting solutions are available on the market to aid this, and in those cases where residual silvering remains, a decal solvent solution should fix that. But that may, or may not, leave a difference in sheen between the decal film and the glossed paint surface.

That most often is solved by spraying the model with an appropriate overcoat - gloss, satin or matte, depending on the final finish you're shooting for. But I've had a few cases where the decal film isn't glossy, so I may choose to first overspray the decals before application, so that the different surfaces (paint and decal) are a closer match.

John

Thanks John