Decaling, Surface prep and theory

[peteski]

Thanks for that!
Did they change the name of it again? Pledge with Future Shine from SC Johnson? Sources?

This web page needs to be bookmarked of you use that stuff! 
http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

[nsbob]

Josh, I bought a bottle of Pledge with Future Shine at Walmart.  Most of the name brand hardware and home improvement stores also have it at a higher price.

[chicken45]

This web page needs to be bookmarked of you use that stuff! 
http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

Thanks! ...but I think it's out of date.
I have a feeling this is the 2014 label but I don't know for sure.


http://www.pledge.com/en-US/Products/Pages/floor-care-finish.aspx

[peteski]

The label might be slightly different, but the name is the same (see the animated GIF from Swanny's site).

I guess it is hard to keep up with those crazy companies changing labels passing the same stuff as "new and improved"!

[tom mann]

I second the recommendation of using Future.  It self-levels, so the surface is super slick to hide the edges of decals.  Plus it smells so good you'd be tempted to drink it straight up.  Or at least mixed with vodka on the rocks.   

When I was a kid, we talked about needing a glossy surface for decals to avoid "silvering".  Some of you say you get good results with a flat finish - so I'm confused

[nsbob]

Unless they have changed the label again in the last few days, the 2013 version with the boots on the label is the one that I purchased a few months ago.

[chicken45]

I second the recommendation of using Future.  It self-levels, so the surface is super slick to hide the edges of decals.  Plus it smells so good you'd be tempted to drink it straight up.  Or at least mixed with vodka on the rocks.   

When I was a kid, we talked about needing a glossy surface for decals to avoid "silvering".  Some of you say you get good results with a flat finish - so I'm confused

I actually went to your book first because I couldn't remember the name! 
                        
                     
                 
               
           
           

[peteski]

When I was a kid, we talked about needing a glossy surface for decals to avoid "silvering".  Some of you say you get good results with a flat finish - so I'm confused

There might be a logical explanation.

I think there are several factors which can contribute to or prevent silvering over flat surfaces.  Factors such as decal film thickness, type of decal adhesive and even the application technique might all play a role.

For example, if the decal film is really thin and the layer of decal adhesive is thick enough to fill the microscopic roughness of the flat paint finish it might result in no silvering.

But if you let the decal float off the backing paper while still in the water, and leave it there for a while (which will wash away most of the gooey decal adhesive from the film), and the decal film it a thicker type, then the decal will silver over a flat paint.  The flatness of the paint itself might also be a part of the equation - there are different levels of flatness.

Another possibility is that some decal films really get melted by a setting solution (more than other types). That way the decal film will melt into the microscopic pits in the flat paint - that way the air pockets will not form.

Silvering is just microscopic air pockets trapped between the paint surface and the decal film.

But the sure method to get good results is to use the proven decal application methods described earlier in the thread.

[Kisatchie]

But the sure method to get good results is to use the proven decal application methods described earlier in the thread.

Hmm... three words:
Great Ape Spit...

[chicken45]

So. Went to Walmart today and actually found both '13 and '14 versions. They had only two bottles, one of each version. The shelf marker said "Pledge with Future Wax" and the UPCs were identical.
I took Tom's suggestion and put some on the rocks. They taste the same so based on all that, I will use both for my clear coating!
JUST KIDDING, DON'T DRINK IT, INTERNET!

Can we talk about dullcoat for a moment? I've heard people say you can't over apply it. I still get splotches with it from the spray bomb.

[Kisatchie]

Can we talk about dullcoat for a moment? I've heard people say you can't over apply it. I still get splotches with it from the spray bomb.

The only time I had trouble with Dullcote was when there was high humidity. It would go on cloudy (assuming my 64 year old memory is still working).


Hmm... it's better to use
Dullcote concentrate and
airbrush it on...

[tom mann]

Can we talk about dullcoat for a moment? I've heard people say you can't over apply it. I still get splotches with it from the spray bomb.

You need to apply it more liberally, then.  Don't mist it on, spray it evenly. 

Don't let the can touch the bottle of Future.  The two products, being opposites in the universe, can't ever get close and touch.

[chicken45]

You need to apply it more liberally, then.  Don't mist it on, spray it evenly. 

Don't let the can touch the bottle of Future.  The two products, being opposites in the universe, can't ever get close and touch.

I soaked the dang thing till it was actually dripping.

Do I can't dullcoat on top of Future? What should I use?

[Sokramiketes]

There might be a logical explanation.

I think there are several factors which can contribute to or prevent silvering over flat surfaces.  Factors such as decal film thickness, type of decal adhesive and even the application technique might all play a role.

For example, if the decal film is really thin and the layer of decal adhesive is thick enough to fill the microscopic roughness of the flat paint finish it might result in no silvering.

But if you let the decal float off the backing paper while still in the water, and leave it there for a while (which will wash away most of the gooey decal adhesive from the film), and the decal film it a thicker type, then the decal will silver over a flat paint.  The flatness of the paint itself might also be a part of the equation - there are different levels of flatness.

Another possibility is that some decal films really get melted by a setting solution (more than other types). That way the decal film will melt into the microscopic pits in the flat paint - that way the air pockets will not form.

Silvering is just microscopic air pockets trapped between the paint surface and the decal film.

But the sure method to get good results is to use the proven decal application methods described earlier in the thread.

All this, plus some people who apply decals over a flat finish, get silvering, but don't care and tell others that it works just fine.  But look closely at the models or photos and you'll see if it's good enough for you... or if you notice it perhaps you'll want to use a gloss finish and clear coat.

[tom mann]

I soaked the dang thing till it was actually dripping.

Do I can't dullcoat on top of Future? What should I use?

No, you can.  I was just kidding.