Custom paint/custom decals

@Devildog, contact Christine Braden, cbraden77@comcast.net. CJB Custom Painting & Designs on Facebook.

She's done exactly what you want for a lot of us here, myself included, and we sing her praises.  And she's a wonderful person, as well.

For custom decals try Ricky Rupp at Modern rails. https://modernrails.com/. He's good, reasonable, and can do white.

If you have the decals, this seems like an easy project you can do yourself.  Use spray cans.  Give it a try. JohnA

You know what I might give it a try.  Now to seat h for the maker of custom decals

Disassemble, sand previous lettering lightly.  Spray a light coat of flat white primer.  Paint light colors (yellow) 1st. Wait 2 days, mask off. Spray the dark blue. Use gloss for the decals to set . After decals, clear coat.  You can do it! JohnA

Devildog, I confused you with the guy above eeiieeiio. Regardless, the steps are the same. JohnA

John thank you for the advice and instructions, much appreciated. I need all the help I can get

Nick

What type of sandpaper grit should I use ?

One important thing to remember is to never be in a hurry when refinishing and applying decals it will lead to problems every time, believe me I know.

Use 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper (use it wet); if it doesn't do the job drop down to something coarser, but nothing below 600 wet/dry (used wet).

Here is the victim for the paint job.  MTH S1 switcher. She’s a beautiful runner. And the sound is even better 👍

She’s a serious workhorse

Show pictures of your progress!  Looking forward to seeing the results! JohnA

John A, I will definitely will. The main basic color will be white like the SOO Line.
Working on art graphic decals for the engine. It will be a private road

@Devildog posted:

John thank you for the advice and instructions, much appreciated. I need all the help I can get

Nick

If you have the artwork you are in fat city. Make a copy on the printer. If it is not the size you need, you can change it on the printer by trial and error until you get what you want. Copy it, check it, and print it on clear back decal paper. Now you have decals and can harken back to our youth and plastic models.

I second what Jim recommends. Plus, since the model will be white, you should have good results with your decals. JohnA

And, use white primer, then gloss white for your base coat. Decals work best on gloss. Then seal with clear. JohnA

If you gloss coat before the decals, they lay down better. Afterwards, dull coat to get the realistic look.

Yes ! Thank you for the advice. I will definitely do that

Not all paint and paint products play nice together.  Check, clear, dull, gloss coat applications.  Some may blister/lift existing model paint.