Ready for Clear, now all I need is a decent day.

[Randy Ryan]

Gladiator ready for clear, at LOONNGG last.

[Bill Morell]

Very nice re-finish Randy.

[Randy Ryan]

Very nice re-finish Randy.

Thanks Bill. Been a while, how ya been? I'm looking for a low humidity day in the 60s or 70s and I'll shoot the clear. Should still have a few days like that this spring here in the mitten.

[Paul Taylor]

Looking good Randy!

[Bill Morell]

Randy, I am doing real good. Still trying to find time and the inspiration to go back into my shop again. Haven't done a thing in there for almost 2 yrs. now. A real building slump has taken a  hold of me and I just can't seem to shake it.

[Matt Colan]

Looking real good Randy!

[GonzoBonzo]

Hi Randy,

Beautiful model.     It could be the lighting, but it looks like your decals have a classic case of "silvering".  It happens when you apply them over a matte surface, and the decal doesn't fully adhere to the irregularities of the paint.  The flat gray hue comes from light traveling through the decal, bouncing off of the paint, and reflecting off the BACK side of the decal. This will not go away with a clear coat over it. There's also a chance that the decal will flake off down the road.  It's best to apply the decals over a un-sanded gloss clear layer.  This can be applied just locally to where the decal will sit.  If the silvering is real bad, you might be able to just peel the decal off.  If not, I'm sure you would be able to wet sand, peel them off.  I usually bite my tongue on these things,  but I'd hate for you to be upset over a 30 second decal job after spending so much time getting it to this point.  If it IS the lighting, nevermind, and I can't wait to see it in clear.   

Gonzo

[Bill Little]

Hi Brother Randy!  The refinish looks really good.

What brand and color of dope did you use?  What clear will you be using?

Thanks!
Bill

[Randy Ryan]

Hi Brother Randy!  The refinish looks really good.

What brand and color of dope did you use?  What clear will you be using?

Thanks!
Bill

Hi Bill, it Duplicolor rattlecan "dope", universal white and medium garnet red metallic. I will be applying KBS Diamond Clear, tomorrow evening !!!! Ya Hoo! Its all experimental and yes the decals may show underneath but at this point I really just don't care, the silvering you see it the top surface, they were printed on a laser printer which leaves the finish mottled, it usually fills and disappears with clear. This refinish has been nothing but a battle from the gitgo. I'm at the point where there are only 2 choices, fly it or burn it.

[Randy Ryan]

Randy, I am doing real good. Still trying to find time and the inspiration to go back into my shop again. Haven't done a thing in there for almost 2 yrs. now. A real building slump has taken a  hold of me and I just can't seem to shake it.

I understand that one Bill, I've been through it and just now beginning to emerge. Some very personal upheaval has freed me to pursue my hobbies again and I am moving ahead. This languished for several years after I had trouble with the Brodak yellow that was to originally be the base color. I decided come H$&& or high water I was going to fly it this summer, so its coming together.