I've run a search but can't find an answer for this. Do I apply a Testors waterslide or any other decal to a bare clean blank, or do I need a coat of finish on the blank first? The blank is a nicely finished Rainshadow SW967F. Thanks for your help.

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

I always apply a coat of finish BEFORE the decal and one more after.

im the opposite........ive never applied an undercoat. i try to minimize my coats so it doesnt have the "bubble" effect

Not sure if it makes a difference but I always apply over a coat of lite finish

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2008 04:13PM by Mike Barkley.

Your words decal may not be complete enough for people to give you consistant answers - the problem may be in the question which will give answers that may seem to conflict.

Please let everyone know if you are talking about a waterslide decal transfer (metallic silver or gold), waterslide decal full color, vinyl peel and stick, homemade paper transfer or fish holographic decal.

If you limit your question to a specific "decal" type you will probably get more consistant answers.

Gon Fishn



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2008 05:45PM by Bill Stevens.

For the present application, waterslide color; for the future, all other

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

Waterslide full color will have to be placed on a totally white background. One easy way to do this is underwrap with metallic silver, coat of CP and then wrap over top with white nylon A NCP plus two coats of CP. Then apply one coat of finish, waterslide and top coat of finish.

[www.rodbuilding.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2008 05:46PM by Bill Stevens.

Well, I'll disagree with Bill a little bit. We use the Testor's kit, which comes with clear and white papers. When we use white, we don't nead a background; when we use clear, we do.

We usually apply the decal straight away onto the rod, using the Micro Set stuff as the initial coating. The adhesive on the deal is suffient to hold onto the rod finish., We let the whole thing dry fot 24hrs, and then we coat it with a bit of CP and then our epoxy (TM, usually).

BTW, we've found that LS and TM are the only two products that won't melt a decal if you don't use the CP.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Bills way of applying water slide color decals looks and works great . Remember that if you apply a decal to a matte colored blank you will have a cloudy look show through. On a matte blank you should always put a thin coat of finish before placing the decal then one or two coats after the decal has dried.

I never use color preserver over my decals and have used just about all of the different types of finishes out there with the exception of Permagloss and have never had a decal "melt "by putting the finish over the bare decal. By the way, I never wait 24 hours after applying my decal before finishing. Usually 30 minutes is all I wait before finishing up with my epoxy. It has always worked for me but I'm not saying that is the correct way, but it the way that I do it.

White paper waterslide on bare blank. If its clear waterslide paper, you will need to paint the blank white, or wrap with silver or white thread before application. I always just use one layer of thread and then coat with one coat of CP. I don't use any finish before the decal. Now, you can use a layer of finish before application and the decal will "float" a little (look suspended under the final topcoat of finish) but I just never have time for that. Also like Mr. Dupre, I only wait about 30-60 minutes before applying my final topcoat of epoxy. I use Flexcoat and have never had it harm any decal in any way. I also never use any CP on top of the decal but I do sometimes coat the decal with Krylon Krystal Clear acrylic paint before I put it in the water to remove the backing. You can see a tutorial on how I make 99% of my decals here:

[cabochonrods.com]