need a little help

[scottvs]

I've started doing a 50 Ford Conv. it is an AMT kit and I'm using some of the custones that are in the kit . What I need help with is how do I get decals to stay on flat paint??? I want to paint it flat black and put flame decals on it .. And what type of wheels would look micer baby moons or steelie with hud caps that are in the kit. This is the first kit I've done trying to do it old school .. Thanks Scott

[geezerman]

Never tried it, but have seen some. probably need a new very fresh decal for best results.
At the very least, trim the decal as close to the printed design as possible.
That clear material around the edge looks especially crappy on flat paint.

[scottvs]

I re posted some pictures of this car on the shelf page

[HotRodTom]

I looked at your ride in the "On the Shelf" page. Looks pretty good. In regard to your decaling question over flat paint. Decals do not usually like to adhere over flat paint. There are tiny bumps on the surface that reflect the light differently (that is why it looks flat) and these bumps limit the contact area for the decal to stick to. I usually paint my models in a gloss coat first, let it cure for a day, then apply my decals, and let them cure for a day. I use gloss, because it has a smoother surface, and allows more contact area for the decals. If or when I use decal solvent, (I occasionally use Solva-Set) then I allow 48 hours for the decals to cure. CAUTION!!! If you use decal solvent, try not to move the decals around too much after application of the solvent. It is a solvent, so it dissolves the decal a little and makes it very brittle, but allows it to wrap around surfaces, like over fenders or around door edges without wrinkling.
Once the decals have cured, use a product like Testors Dullcote or Krylon Matte Clear to overcoat everything (Paint and flames), this will level out the surface difference between the decal and the paint and smooth everything over, leaving no "ghost-line" around your decals.
A word of advice on the Testors or Krylon. BEFORE you start on your project, test spray the overcoat on the paint that you are going to put on your model FIRST. Use a scrap piece of plastic or spray it on a piece of glass. Let it dry, then overcoat with your preferred product. If it bubbles or causes runs, IT WON'T WORK! It is better to find out that you might have a bad chemical reaction BEFORE you spend a lot of time on the model applying the decals, than after.
Frustrating, VERY frustrating!