Glosscoat before applying transfer decals?

[Victor]

Hi just wondering what surface you need before applying the transfers also is their any special things you use for transfers or is it just water?

[Tankie]

Definitely you need a gloss coat before transfers and leave it to set well. I always use microsol solution to make the transfers settle well - there are other similar products from other manufacturers. Leave the transfers to set for a day or so, then another thin gloss coat over the top. Leave to dry for a day or so then spray over with a matt varnish finish. I've found that spraying matt straight on top of transfers can give a 'clouding' effect if it gets under the edges. Better safe than sorry.

[Victor]

Definitely you need a gloss coat before transfers and leave it to set well. I always use microsol solution to make the transfers settle well - there are other similar products from other manufacturers. Leave the transfers to set for a day or so, then another thin gloss coat over the top. Leave to dry for a day or so then spray over with a matt varnish finish. I've found that spraying matt straight on top of transfers can give a 'clouding' effect if it gets under the edges. Better safe than sorry.

Could i use a satin coat instead of a gloss coat, because i have the basecoat on now and i want to add the satin coat then add decal transfers then do a black-wash then add another satin coat then top it off with a matte coat.

[Tankie]

The transfers still won't take as well to satin as to gloss. I'd gloss on top of the satin paint you've used already (it doesn't need to be a uniform coat but at least where the transfers are going), then carry on as I suggested. You can go transfer- gloss varnish-matt varnish - black wash - matt varnish. It really will make a significant improvement.

[Victor]

The transfers still won't take as well to satin as to gloss. I'd gloss on top of the satin paint you've used already (it doesn't need to be a uniform coat but at least where the transfers are going), then carry on as I suggested. You can go transfer- gloss varnish-matt varnish - black wash - matt varnish. It really will make a significant improvement.

You cant really do a black wash on matt varnish can you? because of the capillary action? hmmm...

[Saxondog]

MATT VARNISH.jpg (39.46 KiB) Viewed 695 times

This is what I use,recommended in the painting and weathering section, First Johnsons floor polish seals all the colors and decals if left to dry for at least 24hrs. But when you apply the Matt Varnish the finish become very flat and looks like steal. It's hard to put in words but it does the job very well. The Painting and weathering in grey post shows some before and after shots,I was upset with the glossy look the floor polish caused on my Tiger. But when I sprayed the VARNISH and let it sit for a day it was a different tank,i WAS AMAZED AT THE FINISH. This technique is proven with acrylic or enamel paints.

Saxondog

BEFORE MATT VARNISH/ JOHNSON'S FLOOR POLISH

Klear coat stage 001.JPG (149.84 KiB) Viewed 694 times

AFTER MATT VARNIXH

13COMPANY TIGER S-13 GROSSDEUTSCHLAND.JPG (119.72 KiB) Viewed 694 times

[Victor]

MATT VARNISH.jpg

This is what I use,recommended in the painting and weathering section, First Johnsons floor polish seals all the colors and decals if left to dry for at least 24hrs. But when you apply the Matt Varnish the finish become very flat and looks like steal. It's hard to put in words but it does the job very well. The Painting and weathering in grey post shows some before and after shots,I was upset with the glossy look the floor polish caused on my Tiger. But when I sprayed the VARNISH and let it sit for a day it was a different tank,i WAS AMAZED AT THE FINISH. This technique is proven with acrylic or enamel paints.

Saxondog

Klear coat stage 001.JPG

13COMPANY TIGER S-13 GROSSDEUTSCHLAND.JPG

Kool, im not sure how to use that in an air brush but i bought vallejo air matte and vallejo air satin varnish since i know they work in an air brush and i coudlnt get hold of any krylon or testors spray varnish so i had to go with that.

[Saxondog]

The original post in the Painting and weathering section was OZ(the Master) teaching me to airbrush and that is how I learned about this product, no matter what you use test small area's to see what the finish will look like.The varrnish is sprayed without thinner straight from the can.

And no matter what you do, Easy-off oven cleaner will strip your tank back to plastic with out harm to the tank.

Before stripping

Jagdpanther camo pattern 4 008.JPG (286.55 KiB) Viewed 675 times

After Stripping

Jagdpanther strip 001.JPG (173.99 KiB) Viewed 675 times