I have not used varnish-fix decals before but I have applied self-adhesive examples on several occasions. I have read up on how to apply varnish-fix decals and it sounds quite straightforward, but can anyone give me any tips or suggestions to make this easier than what appears to be a messy "sticky finger" operation.
Obviously you use varnish, it has been suggested artists' varnish or gold size varnish but I have no idea how long it is before these become "tacky" and if these are still available. Is modern brush-on gloss exterior varnish suitable [is it polyurethane or acrylic] ? Is it possible to use spray-can varnish or does this dry too quickly ?
Is there any valid reason why the varnish can't be applied to the frame, so that dry fingers can apply the decals ? The decals that I have are quite wide having the name twice on one decal; to wrap around the down tube and the seat tube. Or do I cut both down the centre and match them together somehow?
In the past I'm fairly certain that I read somewhere that if you use the traditional varnish the decal method, you can get away with dampening the frame with water, so that the decals can slide around until finally in position. That sounds a great idea but presumably it has drawbacks eg. does it tend to emulsify the varnish ? Or is my memory failing on this subject also.
Any help would be greatly appreciated as I only have two original sets [lucky me] and I might not be able to find any more -CHIRICO, if I mess things up !