Decal Film Problems with Dull Coat

I use the Testors stuff made to coat decal film.

Not sure if this helps, but I always make sure the first and second coats are applied very thinly and let dry at least 24 hours between coats.

You can also try Krylon Matte Clear.

@Gene H posted:

I recently purchased some Inkjet Decal Film and it seems that three cans of Testors Dull Coat I purchased is Enamel and not Lacquer. It seems to attack the decal film causing the ink to run when dipped in water. Has anyone else had similar problems with the Testors Enamel Dull Coat and is there another brand I can buy? Thanks to all in advance.

I've never had a problem with any brand of clearcoat. I mostly use Krylon for the sealing coat and Testors for the overcoat after applying.

Did you lay the decal sheet down, give it a coat of clear, and let dry flat, before trying to use the decals?

Gene,

Yes, when I printed my own decals, I ALWAYS sprayed them with gloss cote while flat to seal them and then used them like regular manufactured decals.  Otherwise, the ink ran...

Good luck!

Cheers,

Price

I'll have to try Gloss Coat then Dull Coat on top.

Thank you all for your help.

I think Microscale among others make a liquid specifically to hold the decal film together. I am going to guess its an issue with the ink in your inkjet printer. I have had similar bad results with homemade decals. Never with commercial ones except very old Walthers decals.

Pete

I just started printing my own decals.  I guess i am a bit inpatient but using the product at issue I spray 3 thin coats 30 minutes apart.  So far it has worked well.

I also second Norton in spraying older decals with Gloss Cote before using them too!

Price

I'm confused about differing Testor's clear coats.  I have seen a picture of a can that did specifically say ENAMEL just like the OP states, but I just bought 3 cans with the new style label (so I know it is of recent mfg) from my LHS and the label specifically says LACQUER.

Are their two different kinds that is available?  Maybe it's a matter of what is bought.

Hard to say what is happening with Testor's.  Since Rust Oleum bought them out it seems the entire product line has been going to pot.

If any one knows the enamel/lacquer rattle can answer please expound on what is happening.

@Norton posted:

I think Microscale among others make a liquid specifically to hold the decal film together. I am going to guess its an issue with the ink in your inkjet printer. I have had similar bad results with homemade decals. Never with commercial ones except very old Walthers decals.

Pete

It's possible about the issue. My old printer went belly up a couple months ago and I bought a new discontinued model on a clearance sale at a big national retailer. I'm still using the two cartridges that came with it and they may have been out of date.

@Gene H posted:

I recently purchased some Inkjet Decal Film and it seems that three cans of Testors Dull Coat I purchased is Enamel and not Lacquer. It seems to attack the decal film causing the ink to run when dipped in water. Has anyone else had similar problems with the Testors Enamel Dull Coat and is there another brand I can buy? Thanks to all in advance.

I use thin coats, very fast cover spray. Also the ink on a decal that is printed can take some time to really dry. It depends on the ink.

Forget clear coats, wrong product for the job…You need Microscale Liquid Decal film…it’s your friend.  

@86TA355SR posted:

Forget clear coats, wrong product for the job…You need Microscale Liquid Decal film…it’s your friend.  

Yes but you can't brush it on DIY Decals without damaging the ink.