Hello
I am in the process of restoring a GG1 and im trying to decide whether I should use the water slide decals or self adhesive decals. I have no expierience at using decals in a restoration project. Can anyone tell me what are the pros and cons of each. Im doing the brunswick green color and I plan on putting on a clear coat after the green .Im also wondering if I should do the decals first then aplly the clear coat or last . Any advice would be appreciated
Thanks
John
Water slide requires a clear gloss coat underneath. Then you apply the decal. After the decal has set, you top coat with the finish of your choice. Good quality water slide decals properly applied will actuall embed themselves in the paint. Self adheasive can’t. The decal is always sitting on top of the paint. Top coating will help protect but you can still see/feel the edge of the self adheasive’s
My opinion: I prefer waterslide, although more difficult to work with. Self-adhesive is easier, but they are thicker, which is noticable to me. I tend to be able to see the adhesive lines more than on waterslides.
With waterslides, they apply best to a glossy surface, either the paint, or a gloss clear, then after applied, another clear coat is applied to get the desired sheen and seal the decal. I’m not sure of the sheen on an original GG-1, others with more knowledge can answer that question.
After applying a set of self adhesive decals to a 2332 GG1, I would recommend that you use the water slide type. The self adhesive stripes don’t look too bad, but to put it lightly, the self adhesive Pennsylvania lettering looks terrible.
I understand the logos need to be Water Slide Decals.
Have you looked at the Dry Transfer Decals (rub on lettering)?
Kurt
If you use waterslide (Decals) I advise using the Micro-Scale system.It involves a lenghthy process,but if followed exactly the markings will look like you painted them on.Follow EACH step especially the one where you wash the model before overspray.I have built model planes and painted many trains over the years and nothing compares to this system.
Ed
You can see some of my results at:
**johnjay2/John…**these are great suggestions. I would also recommend you do a forum search on “Texas Special.” There was a poster who completely restored the TS shells and took the time to help the rest of us by posting pictures and going into detail about his process. Decals were discussed as well as the clear coat process in relationship to them. The thread was active sometime since April 2008 I think. If I find it I will post the link.
Jack
My Texas Special Paint Job by geedub 8/05/08: http://cs.trains.com/forums/1505275/ShowPost.aspx
Thanks for all of your input. Ill go with the water slide decals.
Again thank you…
John