Is it necessary to prep pre-painted brass - in this case the sign boards on Tomar crossbucks - before applying a decal? If so, with what? Or, can the decals be applied directly to the surface as is?
How about a post-application light coating of Micro Sol to “cement” the decals? Needed of not?
As long as the surface is flossy, or semi-gloss, you should be fine.
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I have only finished one pre-painted brass model. All I did was give it a quick coat of Testors Gloss-Coat and let it dry. If it would have been a glossy finish, I would not have even done that.
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-Kevin
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If it’s pre-painted and glossy, the decal can be applied directly on it. If it’s painted but not glossy, an application of Testors Glosscote will help disguise the fact that it’s a decal.
For an even less-noticeable decal, after applying the decal and a suitable setting solution, let it dry thoroughly, then apply another overspray of Glosscote, as the gloss of a decal is seldom exactly the same degree of glossiness as the Glosscote.
If, however, it’s a bare brass surface, an application of glossy paint or clear Glosscote will make decal application easier, and that should be followed up with the other steps outlined above.
I doubt very much that you were referring to actual “bare brass”, as it wouldn’t look very prototypical, but I included that info just in case I misunderstood your post.
Wayne
Something to watch out for is that the surface should be glossy and as smooth as possible, BUT that the surface finish be compatible with ‘bonding’ to the decal adhesive. Some models may have residual grease or oil on them, or actually be waxed to bring up a shine. These will have to be carefully cleaned and any residue remaining on the surface must not impair adhesion of the decal film.
If the surface is glossy but imperfect you’ll need to use something like Solvaset, and perhaps even poke areas of the decal film with a pin to allow the film to snuggle onto the surface rather than bridge across the ‘low places’.
The final surface finish for the model – dull, weathered, or shiny – is wholly applied after the decal is adhered and set. You should be careful to ensure that the coating used is compatible with both the ‘rest of the paint’ and the decal film, and applied in such a way as to fill any small transitions between the paint and the edges of the applied decals if the transitions will be visible.
Wayne,
Thanks for the helpful tips. “Bare” was a typo. I’ve corrected the original post.
Thanks for the detailed information, Overmod.