WATERSLIDE DECAL HELP

[dmraco]

I am intersted in using my 1st waterslide decal.  I will be puting on the decal BEFORE the nitro.  I have seen several tips on installation so I am OK there.  My question is prep before painting.  Any needed?  Will the edges of the decal disappear when the nitro is shot?  Can the edges be CAREFULLY sanded to blend?

Any tips would be great...Thanks.

 

[Tonar8352]

Not all labels are created equal and some are harder to deal with than others but on a whole I can get it to work using the following steps.

First thing I suggest is to shoot a fog coat of finish over the label before you apply it to the wood to seal the ink from any damage.

The wood needs to be really well sealed and level sanded with 320; absolutely level, no dimples or sunken grain. After the label is in place shoot a fog coat on the first coat. After that you can start putting full wet coats on.  The edges will not disappear with the finish; you have to level sand them out. I usually put on 2 full wet coats after the fog coat and then carefully level sand it back. Generally there will still be an edge showing at this point so I hit it with a couple of more coats and then I can usually get it level by then. After that it gets 2 more coats of finish and then a wet sand and rub out.

Good luck.

 

[dmraco]

Not all labels are created equal and some are harder to deal with than others but on a whole I can get it to work using the following steps.

First thing I suggest is to shoot a fog coat of finish over the label before you apply it to the wood to seal the ink from any damage.

The wood needs to be really well sealed and level sanded with 320; absolutely level, no dimples or sunken grain. After the label is in place shoot a fog coat on the first coat. After that you can start putting full wet coats on.  The edges will not disappear with the finish; you have to level sand them out. I usually put on 2 full wet coats after the fog coat and then carefully level sand it back. Generally there will still be an edge showing at this point so I hit it with a couple of more coats and then I can usually get it level by then. After that it gets 2 more coats of finish and then a wet sand and rub out.

Good luck.

i was hoping the master would respond.  Thanks

When you say shoot a fog coat on the label, is that done BEFORE I soak it in the water/soap mixture?

 

[Tonar8352]

Yes the decal should be sprayed and dry (I shoot them a couple of hours before I apply them) before you soak it. It will come off the paper just as easily as one that has not been sprayed but it will be more stable. 

Check you PM.

 

[anorakDan]

Trim the decal very close to the printing before you dip it in the water. It's easier to hide the clear edge of a decal if it's close to the printed edge. Use sharp manicure scissors rather than an Xacto knife. The scissors will push the decal film down, while a razor edge will tend to raise the decal film.