Metallic Paint vs Decals

[Uncle Pete]

The Eternal Newbie is looking for a but of advice here, lads.  I'm doing up a plane in bare metal (Tamiya acrylic chrome silver X11 to be precise).  Does metallic paint count as gloss when it comes to decalling?  Do I need the gloss varnish (or floor wax) before applying decals or do I waive that bit as one would with a regular gloss paint?  

 

Thanks in advance for any insight.

[Duncan B]

I gloss my metallic paints before decaling, it protects the paint from any setting solutions etc as well as giving a good base to apply the decals to. I then seal the decals in with either another gloss coat or whatever lustre I want as the final finish. 

 

Duncan B

[dnl42]

Gloss paints do count as a gloss finish for decals assuming it really is a smooth finish. Since I've been using Mr Color, I haven't bothered with any clear coat over their gloss colors. Ditto for Alclad. I only use Micro Set and Micro Sol as setting solutions, so that might be some part of my success in skipping clear coats below decals. I always clear coat above decals, Micro Flat or Mr Color Gloss Clear (C46).

[Uncle Pete]

2 hours ago, Duncan B said:

protects the paint from any setting solutions

 

1 hour ago, dnl42 said:

assuming it really is a smooth finish

Thanks, gents... I think I'd better go with the gloss varnish.  Hadn't thought about setting solutions bothering metallic paint and my brushing is unlikely to qualify as really smooth.  Onwards and upwards!

[Steve Noble]

You'll defo need a gloss coat on Tamiya X-11, it's dry and as rough as old boots. In fact I'm not sure the decals would adhere very well to it at all without one..