Decal silvering ?

[Alan 45]

Ok just finished the hurry and put on my main decals and went to bed , got up and the main decal on the fuselage has silvered badly can I do something to get rid of this or is it a gonna?

All help is thankfully received

[BarryW]

The silvering is trapped air under the decal.

Did you gloss coat before decalling? A gloss surface helps prove a smoother surface that prevents the worse of silvering. If not try that in future then matt coat when done to restore the finish.

What you can try now is pricking the surface of the decal to release the air then use a decal softener. Brush it on and leave it (the decal might crinkle, dont worry about that as it will dry OK). I would leave it overnight then check the decal and see if you need to do it again. This can work well, I have done it many times.

[Alan 45]

Thank you Barry , I used a matt clear under before I put them on , it's only happened to the big squadron letters on the one side I'm now off to get the softener

Thanks a lot it's very much appreciated

[Guest]

Use a high gloss Alan. Matt will cause the problem.

The best I have found is the new Humbrol Clear. Put Humbrol Clear in the browser and there is a utube clip on using the stuff.

Laurie

[Alan 45]

Thanks for the info laurie

[Guest]

You are very welcome Alan. Hope all goes well.

Laurie

[Guest]

What I have found that works for me, is apply either micro sol or decal fix directly onto the part of the kit you want to apply the decal soak the decal in water as per normal, then apply the decal onto the decal fix or micro sol, then very gently with a cotton bud rub out the air pockets from beneath the decal, apply a little more decal fix over the top of the decal with a brush and leave to dry overnight. With this technique I find I don't need to use gloss.

scott

[Alan 45]

Cheers Scott I've applied some decal fix but first I've just just pricked the surface with a nifedipine point it seems to be working , I doubt I will get it looking perfect but it is better than before , I've never used it before and have never had this problem apart from Italieri decals but pressing the decal with a kitchen towel usually sorts this out

Thanks for your advice and tips lads I much appreiate them

[eddiesolo]

I use decal fix, and a gloss coat and still got a silvered decal on my Klingon Bird of Prey...the decal was old and I think it just didn't want to sit right.

Si

[Guest]

I just use water except in very difficult bits. That is on average as the gloss varnish is not thick enough to make the surface nice and smooth.

I think you paint surface Scott must be very pro. smooth to achieve your results on matt. A good smooth paint finish is critical as even coats of gloss will not necessarily smooth out a poor smoothless paint finish. The crucial thing to avoid silvering is to get the decal to sit tight on the surface of the paint to avoid light reflecting on to free floating surfaces of the decal.

Laurie

[BarryW]

I use decal fix, and a gloss coat and still got a silvered decal on my Klingon Bird of Prey...the decal was old and I think it just didn't want to sit right.Si

Did you try pricking it and recoating with the softener? As I said above you might need to do it several times.

[BarryW]

You have to be a little careful here as there are two types of decal solution.

One that 'sets' the decal into place. Think of it more as a glue which you paint on before applying the decal. Some of these do have some softening qualities though and can help the decal to conform.

The other is a softener and is for conforming the decal to the surface and is somewhat more aggressive in the softening than the setting solution.

Most companies produce both, MIG, Micro, Vallejo and Gunze being some of the more popular. I use the two Micro products and the Gunze one where the decals are particularly thick. The latter is a lot stronger solution than most and you really have to be careful with it use. Do not go over a decal a second time before it is dry as doing so can pull the decal apart, specially if you have pricked the surface.

What you really need to cure silvering is the more aggressive solution that will really soften and pull the decal in to the surface expelling air bubbles via the pricks. I use the point of a sharp hobby knife to prick the surface.

I hope that helps.

[bluriusz]

There is a simple way to fix it. "Silvering" effect is basically air under the decal, what you need to do is to make micro holes in the decals (I used knife with sharp end or needle), then you brush a bit of water or softener and press a soft cloth on it. Repeat untill it's all gone. Be carefull when stabbing the decals, as you can easly ruin them as well.

[Alan 45]

Thanks for all the advice folks I do do the process mentioned buy lots of you I think it was because the decal was so big that I just didn't apply enough pressure to so I got the problem now I now what to do because of your help I shouldn't have any problems I hope