Hiding transfers

[o3gan]

When i apply transfers there always is a clear strasition between the transfer and my shoulder pads, this is because the transfers are are shinier than the shoulder pad, is there a way of bringing the transfer to look like the shoulder pad rather than making the pad more glossy?

[Azatoth]

Use clear glossy varnish on the shoulder pad. Then apply and position the decal, once its is dry apply another coat of glossy varnish over the decal and its borders. After it is dry again spray matte varnish.

[o3gan]

Use clear glossy varnish on the shoulder pad. Then apply and position the decal, once its is dry apply another coat of glossy varnish over the decal and its borders. After it is dry again spray matte varnish.

and the paint scheme will look normal? as if i hadnt done any gloss

[njm3]

Might want to look into using "micro set" and "micro sol". It is a two part system for applying decals, and the decal ends up being kinda melted. I bought some and am about to try it out (will letcha know), but railroad types swear by it. The two solutions also let you apply stupid crazy decals to goofy surfaces, like to rounded nosecones of airplanes and such (another reason modelers use it).

[templarboy]

Might want to look into using "micro set" and "micro sol". It is a two part system for applying decals, and the decal ends up being kinda melted. I bought some and am about to try it out (will letcha know), but railroad types swear by it. The two solutions also let you apply stupid crazy decals to goofy surfaces, like to rounded nosecones of airplanes and such (another reason modelers use it).

Micro Sol and Micro Set changed my life. Literally. Ok I exaggerate but I will not even attempt using a decal without them. You need to take your time with them. Let the solvent work and follow the instructions on the bottle.

 

To cover up some of the "glossiness" of decals, you can also paint around the design to cover some of the spill over decal adhesive.

[chromedog]

Use clear glossy varnish on the shoulder pad. Then apply and position the decal, once its is dry apply another coat of glossy varnish over the decal and its borders. After it is dry again spray matte varnish.

This.

 

Micro-sol and micro-set can also work - but you will still have to varnish over them to protect them and/or hide them.

[Rossco]

I use Humbrol Decalfix, it sort of dissolves the clear film around the transfer. Put it on the surface first, then apply your transfer, whack another coat on top and that'll pretty much do it. If you want you can touch the edges a little with paint, I know I do.

[Space_Moron]

I learned a simple trick a long time ago from a model-making book. Apply the transfers BEFORE you spray the clear coat. The clear coat hides the line of the decal a lot better then if you spray first before the decals. the clear coat also helps minimize the natural shine from the decal.

 

-Dan

[CarbonCopy]

Again, I second Chromedog's advice.

 

Gloss down first. Apply decal according to microset/microsol instructions. Allow to dry, apply another layer of gloss over the top. Matte spray as desired.