lettering w/decals

[Mr_Ash]

Got some decals from microscale and sofar have changed the number on one of my boxcars, lettered a RGS Coach & Combine and changed my Bmann 4-6-0 Durango & Silverton #179 to D&RGW....

What do i need to do to make sure these things dont up and fall off on me anytime soon? I really hate doing decals! 

Just dont feed them after midnight and dont get them wet right?

[kstrong]

Spraying them with some variety of clear coat will seal them and help them blend into the woodwork, so to speak. If spraying the entire car isn't an option (due to windows, etc.) then use Future floor wax, which isn't a wax at all, rather just a clear acrylic coat. Brush that over the decals to protect them. You may want to thin the Future with a touch of water. If you want more of a matte finish, you can brush over the decals with dilute white glue. It does the same thing, but dries dull.

Spraying is the best option, though.

Later,

K

[Mr_Ash]

thanks!

[Southwest Chief]

I've used Krylon Matte Finish with great success to seal decals.  It even adds some slight weathering (dulling and graying) if you apply a heavy coat.

The following use Matte Finish:

 

If you don't want a "weathered" look, you can use Krylon Crystal Clear.  I used gloss crystal clear for a varnish look on our San Juan painted cars. 

The stockcars, pictured above, have survived some heavy rains with no decal problems.  The only time I ever damaged a decal on them was during a year end hose down.  Too much hose pressure pealed a little decal section off.  Just looks more weathered now

You can find these paints at Wal-Mart and other similar stores.  Sometimes the matte finish will be hidden in the arts & crafts section. 

[Mr_Ash]

Looks like ill be stopping at walmart for the first time in idk howmany years on my way home from work in the morning maybe ill get lucky and also find the shade of green im looking for to paint the inside of that stupid Bmann 2axel caboose I cant stop working on too lol