discussion What order to apply decals and washes?

[stillp]

Right, I've nearly finished my first plane in something over half a century... paint is on, and has had a coat of Klear. Do I apply the decals, then Klear again, before adding a wash? Then another coat of Klear over the wash?

Pete

 

[col68]

Hi Pete personally I'd give it a couple of coats of klear to ensure the decals are sealed properly.
Then add your wash sealing between each coat

 

[Guest]

You're on the right track Pete.

If the coat of Klear has left the model nice & glossy, apply the decals. The gloss coat will help to avoid silvering.

Once the decals are dry, add some more Klear over them. You can either go over the whole plane again, or just over the decals themselves.

Once the Klear is cured, add your wash. People often think of washes as part of the weathering process, but I don't. To me, it's a vital step to give the model depth & so avoid that 'toy-like' look.

 

[stillp]

Thanks chaps. When I last 'finished' a model, washes hadn't been invented yet!

Pete