VL Decals

[Peter Cooke]

Hi folks,

My painter sent me these pics today asking if I knew if it's normal that the clear sections of the decals still look like this after a week of drying in ~ 75 to 95 F temps (it's summer here in OZ). I don't know the answer so here I am. We were wondering if it maybe happens 'to everyone' but is showing up more because it's over a dark color (police blue), or it needs to dry for longer, or it's excess glue, etc etc. The decals were purchased from Ricks Decals and the instructions followed. Could it be that once the clear coat goes on it won't show anyway or is that wishful thinking?

As always, any and all advice is very much appreciated.

Left Tank.jpg


Right Tank.jpg

Tool Box.jpg

[exeric]

I've also had that frosted margin issue, Peter. In the past I have trimmed the clear margin, but found the best solution is applying the decal to a glossy surface. That can be a problem if you are cutting, and polishing the surface to remove orange peel which looks like your painter has nicely done to the dark surface. I have had success spraying a light clear coat on the color, apply the decal, and then pray, hope, and gently apply clear coats over the decal with ample drying time between coats. Cut and polish the clear after sufficient drying time and Bob's your uncle.

p.s. Of course that doesn't help you since the decals are already applied. Since you have nothing to loose, you could very carefully trim the clear margins and apply light coats of clear to seal the edges. Worst case, lots of sanding, and new decals.

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Peter, I've recently had the same problem. My painter flatted down the surface before applying the water slide transfers, and that is apparently wrong. After doing them again with the same result we switched to vinyl decals which the painter was more familiar with, and no problems. The water slide decals have to be applied to a shiny surface.

[Peter Cooke]

Thanks gents, I'll pass that info back to the painter. I kinda like the idea of trimming the clear and getting rid of it, but I did leave him with a spare set of decals so it could go either way!

Steve - where did you get the vinyl decals? Any chance of a pic?

[Steve Slocombe]

Dear Peter, as you can see I have gone to the dark side. These came from Classic Transfers in England.

scouttank.JPG

[Peter Cooke]

Indeed you have! Thanks Steve.