Installing kit Flags, Crest, Numbers & other Decals

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I was wondering how well kit provided flags and Decals will hold up to being submerged and soaked for long periods of time?
I suppose they can be sealed with clear paint or something but even that may not last for long? :confused:
I'd not planned on hand painting all those?

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Anyone have experience with Decals on Subs?
Should I get out my small paint brushes?
Thanks

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Surely someone has ideas or comments about using Decals, on RC Subs ???

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Okay, I think I understand!
Maybe those that did put decals on their subs don't want to admit that they 'Screwed UP'. :D
Hey, I can understand that, but we won't laugh at you, promise. ;)

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Looks like I need to do a test experiment.
Attach some of those extra signal-flag decals to some painted pieces of plastic.
Try clear spray paint over one.
Clear brush on paint over another.
Dump them in a bucket of water.
And see how long they last.

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I did the 'decals under water test' and I'll relate the results for those that may be interested, tho no one seems to be.
I made 5 test samples.
2 with no protection and they lifted after short time in water
1 with some brush on clear varnish, it has survived 1 day in water
2 with krylon spray, one Matte type & and one Flat type
They have both survived 1 day

Results so far is that decals definitely need a complete sealing finish over them ( the thicker the better), but they will last on a sub. :)

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I tested another spray on paint.
TopFlite's LustreKote (Flat clear) #TOPR7500, model paint.
It worked well to seal the test Decal.
(Survived 1 day under water)
That's the one I'll be using, since I know it doesn't discolor over time and I found a Full can of it in my Paint locker. :D LOL :D

[Nuke Power]

Have you tried using decal set and then a shot of clear coat. Honestly I have never had an issue. Just remember your boat won't be in the water for days on end.

[Nuke Power]

Hey if you ever got a question just let me know. I have built and used just about everything Mike sells. I just recently started surfing this forum and i will be sticking around to give my 2 cents regardless if you wanted them or not.

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Well, one of the Decals fell off, when I was reinstalling the sail to deck. :( And while trying to reattach decal it fell apart. :mad:
Guess I'll be getting out my very small paint brushes again.
I had a feeling Decals would Not last long on a Submarine.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Well, one of the Decals fell off, when I was reinstalling the sail to deck. :( And while trying to reattach decal it fell apart. :mad:
Guess I'll be getting out my very small paint brushes again.
I had a feeling Decals would Not last long on a Submarine.

You gotta put a clear-coat over 'em.

David,

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I did!
A good thick coat of TopFlite's LustreKote (Flat clear) #TOPR7500.
Which is Good stuff.
That's why I was so surprized when it fell off, from just normal handling.

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I ordered cloth flags for the T-class.
I had found this website in UK, that has what I want so I ordered them, but was wondering if there are other sources here in the US, for same quality flags, at a lower shipping cost and get them quicker?
http://www.modelflags.com/

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I forgot that Taubman Plans sells Flags also. :rolleyes:
http://www.taubmansonline.com/

[Slats]

Rick I have used both the Flags and Vinyl self adhesive decals that modelflags sells.

Whilst I always clear coat a decal - like you get in a model kit, that is applied by separating the backing in water, the modelflags vinyl product (brand BECC) makes the claim you need no overcoat. In fact Trenchants depth numbers went to sea initially with no overcoat and stayed put, as have most depth marks of the same I have applied to targets.....as a rule of thumb I still overcoat these and the sub/ ship anyway.

The modelflags shop are top notch people to deal with.
The flags are excellent and good quality material.

Best
J

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Okay, Great, that's good to know.
I was also very happy with their decal type flags and numbers, that I got for one of my surface ships.

I ordered 2 'Cloth' flags from Modelflags.com and 1 from Taubmanonline.com.
(I ordered the Jolly-roger flag on the 2nd order, since I decided not to paint it myself, the one they have is close enough to the real version)
(No shipping charge at Taubman.)
So I will be able to see if there are any differences in them.

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I ordered 2 'Cloth' flags from Modelflags.com and 1 from Taubmanonline.com.
(I ordered the Jolly-roger flag on the 2nd order, since I decided not to paint it myself, the one they have is close enough to the real version)
(No shipping charge at Taubman.)
So I will be able to see if there are any differences in them.

I'm very happy with the flags that I ordered from 'ModelFlags'. Good quality and shipping time from UK was not excessive at all. :)
The flag I ordered from Taubman is still on backorder, so I can't report on that one yet. :confused:
He probably had to order it from UK. :D LOL :D

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I'm very happy with the flags that I ordered from 'ModelFlags'. Good quality and shipping time from UK was not excessive at all. :)
The flag I ordered from Taubman is still on backorder, so I can't report on that one yet. :confused:
He probably had to order it from UK. :D LOL :D

I got the flag ordered from Taubman and it is the Same as those from Modelflags. Both made by 'BECC Model Accessories Company', based in UK.
Only a few days difference in shipping times.
So now I'm wondering if BECC is the only company making the wide varity of cloth flags like they do?
No problems with that tho, they are good quality. :)