decal silvering question

[Stezza]

Hey guys, I have just had my fist attempt at applying decals, and it seemed to go ok with my scout shoulder pads. However when I applied to a larger flat surface (rear wing of a land speeder storm) I'm getting a silvering that wont go away.

 

Now I have been using Microset and Microsol as per the tutorials, and I think where I went wrong may be that I didn't apply a gloss finish to the area where I put the decal. So my question is, should I stop and remove the decals at this stage, or would coating with gloss/matt varnish help make the silvering disappear? should I keep applying more coats of microsol?

[Itsacon]

I assume by silvering you mean that the backing foil is visible.

 

Applying another coat of micro set, leaving it for 5 minutes, then applying micro sol might get rid of it.

 

But for best results starting over might work better. Applying varnish now will make it nearly impossible to start over without painting over it.

[Carlson793]

Yeah, need to start over. Usually, silvering/frosting occurs when stuff (air, water) gets trapped in the rough surface of the model (like from flat/matte paints) under the decal. A gloss coat before applying the decal is essential - it gives a smooth surface for the decal to lie on, allowing any air/water to smoothly be worked out from under the decal.

 

EDIT: I swear by Winterdyne's Decal Tutorial. First step explains the silvering effect. 

[Stezza]

Thanks for the advice. To be more specific, I am putting a black templar decal on a white background. The black cross itself looks good, I can just see the outline of the decal in the white areas. What is a good method to remove the decals?

[Carlson793]

Thanks for the advice. To be more specific, I am putting a black templar decal on a white background. The black cross itself looks good, I can just see the outline of the decal in the white areas. What is a good method to remove the decals?

Haven't removed decals myself (except when the decal was still wet), but if you haven't put a gloss coat over it, some water or Micro Sol/Set should loosen it up enough to remove with your finger/fingernail without damaging the underlying paint. 

 

If you have sealed it, I'd recommend applying a small amount of water (using a cotton swab), then gently scraping the decal with the edge of a round tooth pick. Apply a bit of water every few scrapes, and scrape some more - that'll allow the water to get under the decal through any nicks you make in it.

[averykess]

Yeah, need to start over. Usually, silvering/frosting occurs when stuff (air, water) gets trapped in the rough surface of the model (like from flat/matte paints) under the decal. A gloss coat before applying the decal is essential - it gives a smooth surface for the decal to lie on, allowing any air/water to smoothly be worked out from under the decal.

 

EDIT: I swear by Winterdyne's Decal Tutorial. First step explains the silvering effect. 

That's the tutorial I use as well!