Glosscote entire large model before / after decals?

[nyuhasz]

I am building a large model (1/350 TOS E). Normally I glosscote, then decal, then seal decals with glosscote, then dullcote on small models. Now I have a large model where the decal area is very small compared to the surface where the decal will be applied.

My question is do I need to glosscote the entire model at some point in time before a dullcote finish in order for the dullcote finish to look even / uniform across the entire large model? Or can I just glosscoat the area where the decal will be applied only, and then dullcote the entire model and have the dullcote finish look the same / uniform across the large model?

Any observations of actual experience doing one or another method would be appreciated.

Thanks

Nick

[SpaceRanger1]

For a uniform finish, my experience has been that you need to gloss coat the entire model, apply decals, then apply flat or satin coat.