I've been using Decal Connection (great BTW) for the decals I've used but I'm planing on using the peel/stick labels that came with a couple of Rainshadow blanks that I'm building out. Anything special in applying them? Does Microsol and Microset work with these (peel and stick) or should I just lay down an undercoat of finish, apply the label, and then coat with finish?

Hi Steve,
I've never used these decals but I have seen them applied directly to the blank and then finish over them and they look fine. If in doubt, contact Batson directly. They have a great customer service department and can help with any questions. As you probably konw, they are all custom rod builders themselves so they can offer first hand experience. See lin at left Rainshadow/ Forcast. Have a great day!

andrew

I've read here that you should put a coat of finish on a matte blank, but shouldn't need it on a glossy blank. Several people said you can put a coat of CP on the sticker before epoxy and CP for sure if you are using Permagloss. I think I am going to put CP on to help stick the edges on mine.

Micro Set works great when applying any kind of decal whether it's a waterslide or a peel and stick. After applying a coat of finish and letting it dry overnight apply some Micro Set to the spot where you're decal will go then peel the backing off of your decal and place it down on the blank. The Micro Set will allow you to move your decal around until you have it placed where you want it. I use a paper towel to blot out the excess Micro Set then let it dry for a couple of hours then apply another coat or two of finish over your decal.

Chuck,
Applying CP on top is a good tip.
I could understand the need to using CP before applying PermaGloss. I think it eats through the inks. It ate through and desolved an inscription that I had worked hard on last week.
Never experienced that problem with Flex-Coat or Chrystal Sheen finishes. Do you know if a specific brand of CP is better at this than another? I typically use the Flex-Coat CP.

For anyone who has used flexcoat CP over their peel and stick, how long do you let dry before applying finish? I did one with the flexcoat CP and let it dry for about two hours before applying finish. When all was said and done and the finish was cured, you could see a very light cloud around the decal where I applied the CP. The cloud is only slightly noticeable in the sunlight. Did I possibly not give the CP enough time to cure?

TJ

Tim,

I use Flexcoat CP over all my decals all the time and never experienced any clouding. Just did one within half an hour after applying CP. I normall use a clean 5/8" soft bristle brush, and swipe once from left to right to cover the complete length of the decal. I also make sure that the brush I use is broader than the label width and begin the swipe 1/4" before the label and extend it over another 1/4". Once this is done, I wash the brush, dry it with a tissue, and use it to clean the edges surrounding the label. In 30 seconds, you should not see any clouding. If you do, you should thin the area as it has too much CP. Where I live, CP dries in 10 minutes as our average temperature is 32 degrees celcius.

Anthony LOee.

Hello again everyone heres some decal 101 micro-sol and micro-set were designed for water slide decals in the plastic model industry and have been useing it for years on plastic models and its a great product when used correctly.micro-sol is used first to soften the decal and help it conform to the irregular surface on the model, the micro-set sets the decal on the surface no blotting required remember the surface under the decal must be smooth and glossy in order to avoid whats known as silvering. which is light reflecting through the clear edges of the decal proper surface prep is essential for decal fit and finnish. remember smooth and glossy surface promotes a superior finished product while a mat or semi gloss surface will promote decal silvering and you will have to start all over. just my two cents worth.

Tim,

I've applied finish almost immediately after applying the decal, and never experienced any problems. The only problem I have run into is if I don't use a seal coat, or I spend too much time leveling out the finish over the decal.
Both situations can cause the inks on the decal to run or smear.

Ive just finished 2 rods and applied peel and stick decals i had made up from the local sticker maker and applied TM straight over the top with great results
Paul