WORKING WITH WATERSLIDE DECALS

Decals, or transfers, are the icing on the cake when it comes to a locomotive or rolling stock painting job. The sense of satisfaction to be gained as the logos and numbers are applied is significant. However, it can also be a make-or-break stage, as water-slide decals require careful application if they’re to look their best.

A gloss background is essential to ensure adhesion and to disguise the inevitable clear carrier film that forms the foundation of each decal. Therefore, a clear gloss coat is required prior to decal application, preferably applied from an aerosol or airbrush for a finish free of brush strokes.

Decal setting solutions, such as Micro Set and Micro Sol, help transfers to adhere and settle over undulating surfaces and it’s important to allow plenty of time for the decals to dry naturally (usually overnight). A further clear gloss coat seals the decals and should render any traces of carrier film invisible. When this is fully dry, the final sheen can be tailored to your own tastes, by applying a matt or satin clear coat. Fast-tracking to a matt clear coat risks making the carrier film stand out, which will detract from the overall finish.