How to apply decals on Metallic finishes

[PennysPitstop]

So, Im a little confused. As a result Ive avoided making models that are metalic, such as the B-29.

To apply decals you put a gloss coat on the target, apply decals and then put a coat on the top, finish depending on what you are after, either gloss or matt.
Brilliant, no problems there.

So, what if your model is metal, for example a P-51 or a B-29. How do you apply decals to a metallic finish. Ive searched you tube and forums and cant seem to find anything.

If anyone can point me to a page or a video, or give a tutorial, that would be fab.

T.I.A.

[boatman]

So, Im a little confused. As a result Ive avoided making models that are metalic, such as the B-29.

To apply decals you put a gloss coat on the target, apply decals and then put a coat on the top, finish depending on what you are after, either gloss or matt.
Brilliant, no problems there.

So, what if your model is metal, for example a P-51 or a B-29. How do you apply decals to a metallic finish. Ive searched you tube and forums and cant seem to find anything.

If anyone can point me to a page or a video, or give a tutorial, that would be fab.

T.I.A.

HI Penny at the moment im building a floaty thing but over the yrs ive made several silver metalic model's like the B29 or the silver mustang an ive fitted my decals on them ok without any fancy preperation so dont worry if you want to build a B29 as its one of my fave aircraft an i fitted in all eletric motors to have all 4 props turning on a stand so in the flying postion dropping the A -BOMB an that turned out great but this is just my opinion others may say different but dont be afraid of havin a go thats my take on it exscuese me asking but are you a beginner ?
ATB to you
chris b ps it would be nice to see your models on here so DONT BE SHY

[Tim Marlow]

The idea of the gloss coat, as I understand it, is to give a smooth finish so the decals settle properly and don’t trap air (Called silvering when it happens). With a metallic finish the surface is already smooth, so you don’t need the gloss varnish stage. I’ve only made a couple of aircraft like that, but have also made cars and bikes which, though not metallics are gloss finished, so have similar issues. In all cases I simply put the decals straight onto the paint. The issue then is to unify the surface as the decals and paint will likely have a different degree of shine. To do this I sprayed on a coat of the required varnish. I use semi matt for aircraft and gloss for cars and bikes, but that’s your call :thumb2:
Wait for other answers though, because I might have missed something….

[Guest]

I also haven’t built many aircraft with a metallic finish, but when I have, I just put the decals straight over them and it turned out fine. Here is one I wrote about on this forum a few years ago.

[Dave Ward]

Penny,
I just apply them as normal - a quick spray with gloss varnish overall, apply decals, then seal in with another gloss coat I treat the silver finish as just another paint!
Dave

[Jim R]

Hi Penny
How well decals go on depends on a lot more than just the surface they are put on to. The quality of the decals themselves, the thickness of the carrier film, the decal softening solution used, the contours the decal needs to conform to etc. I'd put decals directly onto the metallic surface. The metallic finish would tend to hide any silvering I would think. The only issue I can see is whether your chosen decal setting solution would effect the metallic paint. To be sure I might gloss first, as Dave says, just to seal the metallic paint.
Jim

[Del640]

Penny,
My last model was a P51.

Coat of gloss Varnish, decals placed with VMS decal soft and jobs a good 'un!

Del

[rtfoe]

It all depends on how the surface is after painting. Most of my metal surfaces are weathered in different shades of silver. Some may be matt or dull and others shiny so to level the surface I coat it with gloss varnish before decaling. This also protects the paint from the solvents used for decaling. I then cover the decal with another coat of varnish not only to seal but give an even coat to hide the decal film.

Cheers,
Richard