Clear coat over decal question

Testors Dull Coat is milder and I use it over decals all the time. Tamiya is a little 'Hot' and can affect decals.....but I have yet to have an issue.....but Testors is good.

I always used Tamiya TS-13 clear over decals and paint on slot cars. But it is a gloss coat. I don't know why their flat coat says not to use over decals. Probably best to not risk it.

Rob

Yes, Testors Dullcote is the standard.

Dullcote it is. Thanks for the replies!

Jay in Ottawa

Can the Dullcote be brushed over decals after they've dried or must it be sprayed?

I go gloss for decals, then coat them with what used to be Future Floor Wax, a water-based acrylic.  Once that is dried, almost anything can be sprayed.  I learned that trick from a guy who builds models for the Smithsonian.

I think the important parts are: gloss before and after decals, barrier coat, then dullcote or whatever you want.  The gloss after decaling presents a uniform surface for the Dullcote.  The Floor Wax is a barrier.

I think the important parts are: gloss before and after decals, barrier coat, then dullcote or whatever you want.  The gloss after decaling presents a uniform surface for the Dullcote.  The Floor Wax is a barrier.

Coating with gloss AFTER applying decals is the key, something I manage to forget from time to time.  I'll be painting/decaling an engine soon, glad I read this!

Just a clarification for novice readers.  Most decals have a gloss  or semi-gloss backing.  A gloss/semi-gloss, (satin), coat on a model before decals are applied is probably a better application.  The decal backing and gloss will match (better) IMO.  Then application of semi-gloss or flat coat over all to finish the model.  Old, (experienced,) heads, better than I, gave me this information on the forum some time ago.  Thank you again
Initial Testors engine black application.

Gloss coat applied before, then the decals were applied.

Dull coat and then grimy black overspray.  All products were Testors.



It was interesting to note that some finish dull coats are aggressive enough to damage decals.

Thanks for the replies but, I'm still not clear on:

1 - Should Dullcote (or similar) be brushed or sprayed

2 - How long after applying the decal before brushing/spraying

3 - I found "Rust-Oleum Matte Finish" in a rattle can. This is advertised as a clear protective finish for crafts, art and decorative projects to eliminate glossy sheen. Has anyone used this to protect decals?

To further muddy the water, most decent hobby shops carry several brands of products specifically designed to cover and protect decals, a decal sealant. Sort of like putting varnish on wood. Oldrob mentioned this above. Note that these products are available in gloss, satin and flat finishes. They're not in spray cans; you apply them with a brush (some of them come with a brush on the cap).

I've used them on trains and model planes, both plastic and metal. I use a satin finish on my decals, usually. To me it's more realistic than gloss. I might suggest applying these type sealants to the decals first, and then after drying, spray on the final finish if that's what you want. The Tamiya spray won't hurt the decals with the decal sealant on them. 

Dullcote is frequently used, and I use it quite often for various things. However, it has seemed to me that Dullcote sometimes goes on a bit unevenly; I've had it be a little splotchy and uneven on some paint surfaces. I really like Tamiya's products; their nozzles are superior to Testors, as are their coverage and drying characteristics. Just my opinion. 

Cannot argue with success.  That is a gorgeous Montour Diesel.  Are you sure those are water-slide decals?

Having said that, I shall now argue.  I have never had success with decals over anything but high gloss coatings.  I go high gloss before and after decals.

On the Rustoleum, the best I can say is try it.  I used to be a Krylon-type, but Rustoleum is now about a thousand times better.

As for brushing - no.  The closest I come to brushing is using a Q-tip to apply the Future Floor Wax.

Well, I will use a brush to apply graphite when I get really lazy and do not want to do complicated masking.

Opinion