Decals/Gloss?

[sponge008]

The rocket I am currently finishing up has self adhesive (look like stickers) decals. Is it better to apply them before or after gloss? Thanks for the help.

 

[hokkyokusei]

Pretty much all decals I've evercome across, whether water-slide, self-adhesive, or vinyl adhere better to a gloss surface.

 

[eugenefl]

Originally posted by hokkyokusei
Pretty much all decals I've evercome across, whether water-slide, self-adhesive, or vinyl adhere better to a gloss surface.

Agreed.

Sponge, if the rocket you are applying decals was painted with a flat paint then I would first apply the glossy clear. OR, if you used glossy paints I would apply the decals and go the <a href="https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9331&highlight=Future">Future Floor Polish</a> route. Future will futher help your decal be laminated to the rocket and may also prevent the self-stick from lifting away from the rocket if ever an edge catches the decal.

 

[sandman]

YES!

Gloss first! for any type of decals.

If you want a flat finish...do it AFTER the decals go on.

sandman

 

[hokkyokusei]

Another good tip for the self adhesive decals is to dip them in a saucer of water that has a drop of washing up liquid in it.

This allows them to slide around a little, like a water slide decal. I admit that when I first heard this I was a bit sceptical, but it works, and doesn't appear to have any detrimental effect on long term adhesion.

 

[sponge008]

Thanks, guys. Would anything happen if I glossed the rocket before and after decals?

 

[hokkyokusei]

No, in fact it's a good idea to use something over the decals to sesal them in place. You need to check the compatibility though, some gloss coats will make some decals run.