Home Printed Decals Part 2

After the decals are printed, you have to add the top coats.

The top coat has to be thick enough so the print won't break apart or crack when sliding it off the backing paper.
The top coat has to be thin enough so it's edges (when cut apart) won't be that noticeable on the model.

You are better off doing a light clear coat spray first. This will seal the print - too much of a wet first coat and the print can run. Follow up coats can be thicker.

I use three clear coats in total.
I keep track of how many coats are sprayed on by making small tick marks on the edges of the decal sheet. It's easy to loose track of how many coats you have applied. After that fourth coat, the surface should have a good shine.

The Bel Decal people recommend using Krylon Gloss Clear for the spray overcoats. You can also use Microscale Industries Liquid Decal Film applied with a foam brush. Microscale decal film is more expensive than the spray can coatings. (I don't have enough experience with the Microscale products to recommend them over the sprayed coats.)

TIP: Be sure any clear coat you use is Non Yellowing and UV Resistant. You don't want your decals to turn yellow over time.