Applying Water Slide Transfers

[NickSR]

Hi Everyone
Any tips on applying water slide transfers and do you varnish them when dry, if so what type of varnish?

Thanks
Nick
Super Rocket
Nottingham
England

[Rusty nuts]

I use yacht varnish as I sail & have ready supply.
It's quite thick so thin with white spirit (up to 50% depending on the varnish you use, test first) to get a good finish.
Don't slap it on, thin layer, quick brush strokes & don't play with it.
You can always add another layer but you'll never get what you put on off without ruining the transfer.

Best
Rusty

[bsa-bill]

good waterslide transfers do not need varnish, it is already on them.

Think about modern auto paint - it is water based - does it wash off - nope, same with waterbased household paint, and the transfers once dryed on wont wash off either.

If you can afford to sacrifice one, apply it onto a not needed painted surface, let it really dry out for a day or two then try to remove it, it should be as well attached to the metal as the paint, will need solvent or sandpaper to remove.

My supplier states the transfers I use are made by the same firm that made them for BSA.
 But if you feel better with another coat of varnish - no harm done

All the best - Bill

[MikeN]

Whem I had the oil tank and toolbox lid painted on my bike. I got my tame painter bloke to paint them in 2 pack,then he gave them back to me so i could apply the transfers.I returned them  so he could finish them and apply the laquer. He applied it nice and thick so its like they have been laminated.
I dont think they will wash off.
Mike

[NickSR]

Hi to Rusty Nuts,bsa-bill and MikeN

Thanks for all of the advice.

Regards
Nick

[BSA_54A10]

Traditionally we used nail polish, followed by a thin coating of whatever clear finish we were using.
Test by putting some nail polish on an old tin can let it dry then pop some of your clear on top to test compatability .
While water slides do stick well they are no match for modern detergents, solvent cleaners and particularly high pressure water washers and will start to lift at the edges is exposed to them frequently.

Hobby stores should keep a product called "transfer varnish" or something similar. It is good stuff but comes in tiny model sized containers at huge model pricing.

Mylar ( self stick ) transfers definately require sealing as they are held on with a solvent based glue.
Usuallt I apply 3 to 5 coats over them then sand the edges and pop on a couple more to get rid of the step.
Good quality Mylar transfers will have the edges feathered but most are made with a plotter / cutter  and umlesss it is a very expensive machine the cut will be at 90 deg to the surface so leave a pronounced step at it's edges.

[zitman]

When I did my Star Fire a couple of years ago I used water slide decals from the VMCC which were great but when I cleared over them with 2 pack acrylic clear coat they reacted and bubbled and shrivelled terribly.  I had to strip the clear, paint and primer and start over.  Second time there was no problem.  I painted the panel, clear coated it, applied the decal and left it for a week then applied another coat of clear with a cheap air brush from Machine Mart.

Z

[MikeN]

Whem I had the oil tank and toolbox lid painted on my bike. I got my tame painter bloke to paint them in 2 pack,then he gave them back to me so i could apply the transfers.I returned them  so he could finish them and apply the laquer. He applied it nice and thick so its like they have been laminated.
I dont think they will wash off.
Mike

Bugger it!!  I spoke/wrote to soon.  Ive just noticed that the kickstart lever of my Ariel has dug a gouge out of the transfer on my toolbox lid on the BSA.
Mike

[cus]

With those decals or transfers, always dust on the first coat really lightly then walk-away & have a cuppa/beer,
then build up the coats from there. If you flood on the first coat you will risk bubbling/frying for sure, I use
2-pack clear, dries like a rock.

regards, Cus

[zitman]

I use 2-pack clear, dries like a rock.

It certainly does!  I had clear coat overspray on my glasses for about 2 years and it never wore off despite being cleaned everyday.

Z