Techniques · Finish
Decal silvering: what causes it and how to fix it
Silvering is the shiny, frosted look a waterslide decal gets when air is trapped under its clear film. It is far easier to prevent than to cure. Here is how.
What silvering is
Waterslide decals carry their printed design on a thin clear film. If that film sits over tiny pockets of air instead of bonding flat to the paint, the trapped air catches the light and the film shows up as a silvery patch around the marking.
The usual cause is the surface underneath. A matt paint finish is microscopically rough, and the decal bridges across the roughness rather than sitting into it. A gloss finish is smooth, so the film can lie flat.
Prevent it: the standard sequence
Gloss the area first and let the varnish dry completely. The finish is temporary: you will matt it down again at the end.
Soak the decal in water. The Mighty Brush suggests about 10 seconds is normally enough, longer for older sheets.
Brush a decal setting solution such as Microscale's Micro Set onto the model where the decal will go. Microscale says Micro Set improves adhesion, which prevents tiny air bubbles forming under the film.
Slide the decal into place, then gently blot or roll out the water with a damp cotton bud or tissue.
For curved or detailed surfaces, apply a softening solution such as Micro Sol with as few strokes as possible, then leave it. Microscale warns the decal is very soft at this stage and should not be touched until dry. Wrinkling while it works is normal.
When dry, seal all the decals under another coat of gloss, then apply your final matt or satin varnish.
Fixing a decal that has already silvered
For a small bubble that is still visible, the Mighty Brush suggests pricking it with a pin or the tip of a sharp knife, applying more softening solution, and letting it dry fully before repeating.
Where a decal crosses a deep panel line or recess, slit it with a fresh blade along the line, but only once it is dry; a wet decal tends to tear.
If a dried decal is badly silvered over a matt finish, a tutorial by Winterdyne notes it is very hard to remove; the practical fix is to paint over the clear film up to the printed design, or replace the decal.
Quick checklist
Gloss under, gloss over, matt last.
Setting solution under the decal; softening solution over it if needed.
Do not touch a softened decal until it has dried.