Looking for a solution: custom decal silvering

[Maethius]

SO!

Usually I'm the one posting tips, but this time I could sure use some. I've been having no luck at all reducing the silvering (milky white appearance of clear decal backing, often seen when the decals do not adhere properly to a surface) on my latest project.

For the surface, the color is a dark gray to black, matte paint, buffed as smoothly as possible.

For the decals, I am using Expert's Choice laser printer decals on clear paper from Bare-Metal Foil Company. Having read a dozen forums over the past week, I find testimonies that it is one of the best products on the market. My experiences have, unfortunately, not coincided with those reviews.

My first attempt found the film extraordinarily thin.

My second attempt was to airbrush the decal sheet with Testor's Dullcote... which still shredded terribly.

I then applied Krylon matte acrylic spray, but that product resulted in terrible silvering.

All of the above were slid from the backings, let dry, surfaces painted with Testor's Decal Setting Solution (then Solvent Solution), and left to cure.


Attempting to find a solution is turning costly and taking a lot of time, so I'm reaching out to anyone who might have some ideas.

Thanks, all!

[Illandrasen]

Have you tried automotive clear coat? It can be costly but a little bit goes a long way. Idk what this decal paper is made out of, but I know some don't survive automotive clear coats so you would need to verify.

Does the silvering form between the Krylon and the decal or the decal and the part you are applying it to?

Edit: The krylon might be too rigid when dry to allow for the decal to properly go into all of the microscopic dimples in the surface you are applying it to. You might be able to thin down the Krylon and spray it through an airbrush to control the application amount.

[Maethius]

I was wondering about the Krylon's rigidity. It is widely used, and I tried to stick with a very light coat. As to where the silvering is occurring, it really is hard to tell. When I paint decal setting solution over the top of the decal it looks great, but the instant it dries the silvering returns. Makes me think the problem is the Krylon, but its very hard to tell.

I've switched to Testor's paper (which I used on other kits) and placed 3 light airbrushed applications of Dullcote on this sheet, so I'll have to see what happens tonight. /fingers crossed

[Maethius]

Okay, so here is what I ended up with for a solution:

I used Testors transparent Decal Paper, an Epson Artisan-50 printer on the lightest ink, highest detail photo setting, then airbrushed Microscale's Micro Set Decal Solution (thinned with lacquer thinner) over the top.

The decals a a bit thin, and require some care, but they are crystal clear. They do have a glossy sheen, however, airbrushing Dullcote over the top should balance it out.

[Illandrasen]

Nice, glad you found a solution! You gotta do what you gotta do.

[Maethius]

If I could, I would buy a substrate printer. For now, thought, I'm not going to shell out $1,200 to print decals.

[Illandrasen]

Yea that's a bit of an investment haha.