The F1M Forums

Hi all,

I allways paint Parts before setting the decals. But I often ask myself if it is necessary to paint black plastic with black paint before decal them with carbon fibre. Do they hold over the years still on blank plastic surface? What are your experiances? And what about factory chromed parts, still clearcote before setting decals?

regards
Marcel

Though I (and everyone) have decals 40 years old, still solidly stuck on surfaces with or w/o paint, and with or without clear over them, apparently they have a longer life if there's any kind of gloss paint underneath... particularly CF which is usually all over...

It can be brand dependant but my experience has shown that CF decals have a certain level of transparency so a layer of paint underneath helps their coloration better.

I think they do adhere better on a painted surface..even beter when a decal setting fluid is used...and if you cover the carbon decals with 2K semi matt they become" indestructible

Alex.

I apply over paint. A few years back I applied them over plastic and several came off within days.

I have carbon decals on bare plastic for couple years and there is no ill effect so far.

The issue of decals peeling off is probably due to non-smooth plastics and the kind of glue that the decal used. Some plastics parts are not molded smooth. If you want to put decals on these surfaces, the surface has to be either polished smooth or painted. I always add 50/50 Future or clear acrylic solution as glue for decals and have not have any peeling so far.

So I think it is better to paint as ever. Thanks guys!

Marcel

I always apply cf decals on painted surfaces. They adhere and conform much better with a good solvent. Microscale Sol is the most common, but i prefer Daco or UMP. They are much better imho