| Baranovich | 19 Jan 2019 5:36 p.m. PST |
I'm seeing on some railroad modeling forums that 24 hrs. is needed for decals to completely dry. This seems a bit extreme to me. Overnight or even a few hours wouldn't do it? I know the whole thing about applying gloss beneath and over the decal before matt coating for better adhesion and for blending it with the surface. But the drying times seem extreme. I generally let pre-decal and post-decal varnish dry overnight and as far as decal drying time, I've waited a few hours, maybe overnight before sealing the decals. Your experiences? |
| Thresher01 | 19 Jan 2019 5:41 p.m. PST |
I've always waited at least 24 hours. Even more, with printed ink ones from my inkjet printer, just to be safe. |
| khanscom | 19 Jan 2019 5:56 p.m. PST |
A few hours setting time should be more than adequate, even if you use a fair bit of solvents (MicroSol or similar) to seat the decal. I've had no problems when final "varnishing" with Testor's Dullcote (lacquer) or acrylics and never had to allow 24 hrs. of "drying" time. Inkjet- printed decals have always been presealed with Testor's decal film, Future, or acrylic finishes before application, and these have, of course, been allowed to dry thoroughly before application. |
 Herkybird  | 19 Jan 2019 6:14 p.m. PST |
I allow 8 hours, and even then I tend to varnish from the centre to the edges with a very soft brush! |
| Vigilant | 20 Jan 2019 2:32 a.m. PST |
I usually leave overnight, so 18 to 24 hours in reality. |
| Patrick R | 20 Jan 2019 2:41 a.m. PST |
It depends on the size of the decal, the amount of water and the ambient temperature and dryness. If you are putting 15mm symbols on tanks you can get away with a few hours, if it's a large roundel on a 1/24th model plane, you might prefer to step away for a day or two. The best way is to time your application, either do it in the early morning and check on them in the evening or let them set overnight. |
| slugbalancer | 20 Jan 2019 2:44 a.m. PST |
I always wait at least 24 hours. |
| GhostofRebecaBlack | 20 Jan 2019 6:35 a.m. PST |
24 hours or more. I also try to keep the miniature or model away from dust. Preferably in a box with a lid or similar. |
| Timmo uk | 20 Jan 2019 10:57 a.m. PST |
At least 24 hours. What's the rush that you can't wait a day? |
| Dukewilliam | 20 Jan 2019 3:11 p.m. PST |
Patience. 24 hours to be safe. I have lost decals due to being impatient. |
| michaelk1776 | 20 Jan 2019 9:23 p.m. PST |
My actual experience has shown that you are not waiting for the decal to dry, so much as you want to make sure that the entire model is dry. If there is ANY moisture on the model (such as under or around the decal) you risk the clear coat frosting over as the moisture is trapped under to all colors, but is only visible through clear coats. Patience, or a hair dryer will eliminate the moisture. |
| TSD101 | 28 Feb 2019 8:29 p.m. PST |
I always found the most important step is waiting for the gloss coat to full dry and cure first before adding decals. I usually wait 48-72 hours using Testors just to be safe. After that I use Vallejo decal medium to apply decals. For that, overnight has always been good enough before adding a coat of Testors dull coat. |
