Experienced modelers? Question about decals

[Oeditpus Rex]

I'm about to finish an Airfix 1/24-scale P-51D, "Big Beautiful Doll." I'd planned to clear-coat it for protection, then I thought perhaps I'd apply the decaling first. But then I wondered if something in the clear paint might damage the decaling.

Anyone know? :shrug:

Here're some photos from the assembly:

[NMDemDist2]

1. wow cool! but I have no idea, but that is one cool dude, dude! n/t

[Warpy]

2. Clear coating can be oil or water based

and the question is what base the ink in the decals is.

The best way to test is on a spare decal. Or perhaps test on a corner of a less prominent decal. What you're looking for is a trace of ink on the brush and/or smearing of ink around the edges of the image/lettering on the decal.

That's all I can suggest. Of course it's better to seal OVER the decals if you can.

[Oeditpus Rex]

3. *slaps forehead*

Why didn't I think of that?

The kit has optional RAF decals, so I can test with one of those.

The clear coat's a spray, btw.

[Warpy]

4. Then you should be OK with several very, very light coats

By all means test if you've got extra decals, but in my hilariously limited experience, spray coats dry so quickly that ink doesn't get a chance to run. The trick is to put feather light coats on, letting them dry at least to the tacky stage before spraying on the next one.

[Oeditpus Rex]

5. Well, I can't do it for awhile, anyway

It's too cold to paint outdoors. I'm afraid it wouldn't cure properly.