applying decals

[twofishy4u]

So I have tried various methods and just wonder what works best for you.  The epoxy, dry, decal on, epoxy over seems to look the best but also takes some time.  Wondering if there is a quicker way or faster setup epoxy.  I like to do the guides and decals at the same time and hate doing epoxy coats more than twice.  Somebody has had to play around with using a one part a quick dry or something else, right?

[MikeK]

I don't know any one part product that won't be very thin and take several coats to build depth.

[Logan S]

For me, decals take time and preparation to get right - Part of the game.  I had lots of issues with air bubbles and edges lifting early on.  

 

What you described is the best way I've found to do it, with a couple small additions.  When I put the decal down on the dry first coat of finish I also put some color preserver around the edges to seal them down and prevent lifting.  Another tip I got from MudHole videos was to let the mixed final coat of finish for the decal sit for 15-20 minutes before putting it down on the decal....It's too 'hot' as they describe it (chemically, not temp) when first mixed and is more likely to lift the decal.  

 

I still sort of dread decals, because 1 small air bubble or edge showing sticks out like a sore thumb to me....Or worse yet, if I get the rest of it right, but put it down slightly off center 😅

[MickD]

The CP around the edges is a very good idea. 

 

NFC X-Rays are very popular, and if you don't order the mirror finish they have ridges which can interfere with decal adhesion, so a pre-coat of epoxy is necessary for reliable sticking without any gapping or adhesion problems.  I usually want two coats in the decal area anyway, since I often have a thread nib or some bit of dust in the first coat, so using two is not an issue for me.  I also like the look of the decal "floating" above the initial coat.

 

Many builders put a precoat of epoxy down on all blanks that are not glossy finished.  

 

Another tip is to aggressively burnish the decal down with  a burnishing tool and a piece of paper for protection of the decal.  Really press the edges down. 

[twofishy4u]

I"m trying something new currently.  Spray acrylic clear gloss.  Dries in like 10 minutes, then decal, clear over the top, wait another 10 minutes and then coat over them with epoxy.  It's drying right now.  I got the advise from decal connection so I assume it should work!  So far I see no lifting.  Should be ok

 

[MickD]

Let us know how it goes.  And exactly what is the product being used? thanks

[twofishy4u]

Just looked at it.  It is going well!  No lifting at all.  This is the spray I used got it at walmart.  Aleene's Clear Acrylic Spray Sealer in gloss.  This was much easier than nail polishing or double epoxy coats. 

[Alpster]

On 3/15/2024 at 10:45 PM, twofishy4u said:

I"m trying something new currently.  Spray acrylic clear gloss.  Dries in like 10 minutes, then decal, clear over the top, wait another 10 minutes and then coat over them with epoxy.  It's drying right now.  I got the advise from decal connection so I assume it should work!  So far I see no lifting.  Should be ok

 

I have been doing this for years and it works well.