Large Scale Central

Decals - Rustoleum Clear Gloss

Modeling
#1

So I applied some of Stan’s great decals this past weekend. I usually use the suggested Krylon Crystal Clear, but I was out. I had a can of Rustoleum brand Clear Gloss paint and tried that.

My suggestion is not use it. I had the decals set real nice with no air bubbles. I let the decals set overnight and then applied the Rustoleum clear gloss to set the decals. It must have reacted with something and caused all the decals to bubble up. I had air pockets all over. It took some work but I got most of the large ones and then elected to go with a heavy weathering to cover the rest.

I’m curious if anyone else has had problems with this particular stuff. I never had problems with the Krylon stuff. I can tell you this, I will not use the Rustoleum stuff again.

#2

I always use a spare decal as a test prior to the “real thing”. I will tell you all paints have “issues” with over coating. It is extremely important to apply VERY LIGHT coats with well mixed (rattled) paint.

I use Valspar base paints with Valspar clears over the Cedarcliff decals I applied. I found a HEAVY coat of clear would even bubble the Valspar paint and the decal.

Krylon is the worst for blistering at re-coat if the paint is anything but fully cured. With Valspar I wait an hour between light coats, with Krylon this waiting would be the kiss of death!

Rustoleum seemed to work better, but it too can blister if applied in a heavy re-coat.

It’s just hard to paint well during this cool time of year!

Paintings fun!!!