Depending on how thick the decals are they will show a bit before putting a clear coat over them. What you are after is a smooth paint surface with a nicely conformed decal over top with a clear coat to help hide the edges of the decal.

Cheers Rob.

Usual procedure is gloss varnish-decal-gloss varnish. Then you can continue with the rest of steps for weathering. Decal Setter helps also, specially on irregular surfaces.

The decal set is used first so the decal can be moved around and also helps with adhesion.
The decal softer or solvent is used to soften the decal so to allow it conform to
irregular surfaces such as zimmerit, rivets etc.

Good idea to have both as you never know when you will be in need.

Decal thickness is not consistent with different manufacturers.
Cheers,

After all my painting and weathering is done, I do prefer to put down a gloss coat this
prevents silvering as the decals will stick better and any air bubbles are easier to
move out.
When all is dry, I spray or brush on up to 3 coats of gloss varnish so that the edges
disappear...some decals are very thick...I have even had to wet sand some old decals,
they were so thick.

And finally a flat coat or 2 via airbrush and I am done.

I always use decal set and decal solvent even when working on a flat surface.
This is what works for me...others may suggest differently.
Cheers.

Washes are stronger, like 80% thinner, and I want them to flow into all the corners and panel lines. So they flow better over a smooth, slippery gloss finish. Filters are weak, like 95% thinner, and I want them to stay where I put them on a flat panel, and they stay put best on a rough flat finish. Also a wash, being stronger, would overpower the filter effect.

Hi Dan.

It's well worth going right back to page 1 of this thread and having a good read through the first few pages. I constantly refer back to this thread during my builds,

Quoted Text

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Washes are stronger, like 80% thinner, and I want them to flow into all the corners and panel lines. So they flow better over a smooth, slippery gloss finish. Filters are weak, like 95% thinner, and I want them to stay where I put them on a flat panel, and they stay put best on a rough flat finish. Also a wash, being stronger, would overpower the filter effect.

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Hope this helps.

Cheers, D

Thanks.

I know the colour of a filter varies. Is an overall wash generally dark to accent shadows? What's the difference here to a pin wash?