Not sure if this is the correct forum, but since I am working on a Airfix Hawker Hurricane, I thought I'd post here.
My question is how people deal with losing paint detail when applying clear coat in anticipation of adding decals. I just tried my first "black-basing" with a Hurricane's two-tone upper camo. Got it nice and subtly worn looking and then hit it with Alclad clear to serve as decal base.
I noticed all that nice subtle shading disappeared under the clear. I've yet to apply a matte coat after the decals and the optimist in me hopes that detail will return then. But, I wondered if there was a better way to skin this cat? I'd thought about only applying clear where decals would be applied but wondered how others tackle this issue.
Thoughts?
First post in a long while - work and family pressures have only now let me return - so if there is a better forum for this question please let me know.
Thanks

Tried to add photos but no luck yet.

Totally normal. The degree of contrast changes when the clear gloss and then clear flat are applied. You're best off staying the course and worst case will be a subtly faded paint job.


If you're not happy with how that turns out, then mix up some another batch of paint and fade it a little more and apply it over top of the newly flat coated paint.

I completely concur with Matt. One you apply a matt coat, the details will reappear.

Joel

Thanks guys. I will give it a try.
Joel, I like your Grumman logo. My father worked for them and I still have stickers like the logo from those long ago days.

The dull coat did bring some of the detail back. Still learning.