Large Scale Central

Protecting decals from the elements? (license plates)

Modeling
#1

I’m currently working on accurate license plates. I’ve found the correct year, county codes, and plate dimensions.

But I’m not sure, if I use custom printed decals, how to protect them.

Anyone have any tips on how to seal decals from the elements?

My vehicles stay outdoors from late spring to late summer. The rest of the year they are stored indoors. Summer monsoon rains would be the biggest threat to decals.

Researching on what license plates to use has been kind of fun. Our layout is set in 1951 Colorado and New Mexico. The main counties would be (Colorado); San Juan, La Plata, Alamosa, Archuleta, Montezuma, and Dolores. (New Mexico); Rio Arriba, San Juan, Santa Fe, and Taos. The county code is the first number on the license plate for the states and year I’m using.

Another thing I’m noticing is that trucks used different license plates. Colorado added a T. New Mexico added the word Truck to the side. I’m not sure if this is for any truck, like a pickup truck, or just for large trucks.

Here are some links I’ve been using to help make license plates:

Colorado 1951 License Plate

Colorado County Codes

Colorado 1951 Truck License Plate

New Mexico 1951 License Plate

New Mexico County Codes

New Mexico 1951 Truck License Plate (interesting that this one uses the 1950 plate color)

#2

Matt,

No I haven’t tried but how about a second clear piece of decal film over the printed one to seal it ? And that could then be sealed with a clearcoat

#3

I just spray them with a clear coat - either Krylon or Rustoleum. My signs stay out all year. No problems.

#4

I have used clear spray successfully, probably here want gloss. I have used this on real old decals which can be brittle and crack.

The trick is to put on 3-4 VERY LIGHT coats. And I mean so light you can barely see it. Like one pass across, you can hardly smell it. This will prevent it from dissolving the ink. Then you can put a normal final coat, or just continue with really, really light coats. Remember that super light coats will dry much more quickly.

#5

Clear coat is fairly easy to do. Thanks for the suggestions.

#6

I use Krylon UV-resistant clear coat on mine, which are outside all year.

#7

I haven’t had this outside this year, yet, but I’m trying to cover the decal with a light coat of Mod Podge® (by Plaid) and then cover that with the clear coat. Time will tell if this works for me. Results may vary(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#8

Hmm mod podge. Interesting suggestion.

I’m currently working on the artwork for the plates. Then going to get the decals printed. Then applied. And finally sealing. Lots of time before I get to the sealing stage, so please keep these useful suggestions coming.

Below are test paper plates on a car, although this car will definitely not be staying outdoors. The final version decal plates will be applied on thin styrene.

#9

Whoops, another double post (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-embarassed.gif)

#10

Krylon, Matte Finish 1311 has been a proven product for many years.