Need Help w/Dry Transfer letters on die cast locomotive

Did you use flat black on the tender? Maybe the rub on's will not stick well to that? Decals often do not.

Rob

I just did a engine and tender and I used loco black spray paint and decals from CDS dry transfers from Canada and I used a sharp pencil and they worked perfect. What did you use to rub them on
Alex

Sounds like the dry transfers are either defective from day one, or they have aged to the point of not adhering. I really don't think it's a paint problem.

The rule of thumb has been that dry transfers go on flat paint; water decals go on gloss paint.  Having said that though, I've had uneven or unpredictable results with dry transfers anyway. 

Having said that and that being said, dry transfers have a relatively short shelf life. Best used within months of creation.

In the "olden days" we used high gloss base. Then applied the transfers. All this work was followed by a top coat of semi-gloss or flat clear coat. Even now I always apply a clear top coat. Just a thought......

Alright: Here is the update which in the process may answer several of you guys questions, I cracked into a new package of transfers, for the ones I had been using were a year or two old (pkg. says, "unlimited shelf life" btw). The new package adhered perfectly to the surface of the glossy black tender with average pressure applied using my burnishing tool. Now, I need to track down another set for 1 measly "W" so I can finish this thing. Thanks to all for your help!

 

Alex - I normally use CDS transfers on boxcars and other projects and they have never given me a problem. Unfortunately they don't have the size letter set I need for this project. Though CDS Transfers are getting harder to find, they are well worth the money. In fact, I just got several sets in the mail this week. 

 

This current project I'm working on is actually for my Dad, as he asked if I could re-letter a Berkshire locomotive for the Wheeling & Lake Erie. Something occurred to me earlier. When I was a kid, the decals for my toys used to give him fits. Now, it's the decals for HIS toys giving me fits . When it's done, I'm sure it will be well worth it.  

Regardless of what the package claims, Scott, dry transfers DO have a limited shelf life. I have experience in making them. 

 

A pair of gloss coats over water-slide decals hide the decals edges and makes them look like the art is painted on. Then a coat of flat or semi-gloss gives everything a finished look.

 

That said,...

I've found that, in some cases, very slightly roughing-up the surface with micro-mesh will give the transfer something to hold on to.  When you clear-coat it, you won't see anything.

Scott I buy them directly from him
You can email him and see if he has what you looking for. Sometimes I don't see what I'm looking for and I email him and he has it. So try emailing him
Thanks. Alex

Scott-

 

After seeing the masterpieces you have done on other rolling stock, I may just send you a couple of MTH cars to re-paint and do!!