| Cold Warrior | 30 Jun 2016 5:54 p.m. PST |
Was just wondering how people went about applying their various decals. Is there a "best" way? For myself I apply after painting with setting solution, then I seal. A friend hits a model with semi-matte, applies the decals (no solution), then hits it with a matte coat. Thinking of trying the latter (still using setting solution). What's your preferred method? |
| Winston Smith | 30 Jun 2016 6:35 p.m. PST |
Your friend's method is an invitation to silvering. First, GLOSS coat the area to get the decal. Preferably the whole thing, if it's small.
Then use the MicroSet decal solutions. Follow directions.
I cut out the decal, and then put it upside down in a dish, or blister. Add water drop by drop with a paintbrush to the back of the decal. Stop when the paper is totally wet. This sure beats trying to fish the decal out of a dish of water! 
Apply decal, and do the top Micro Set solution. After dry, coat with water soluble glosscoat. Like Future wax. Make sure decal is covered with dry varnish before spraying with matte varnish or Dullcote. |
| jeffreyw3 | 30 Jun 2016 6:41 p.m. PST |
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| Coyotepunc and Hatshepsuut | 30 Jun 2016 7:06 p.m. PST |
I take the uncut sheet of decals and place it my decals box wirh all the other decals. |
 Saber6   | 30 Jun 2016 7:14 p.m. PST |
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| Ceterman | 30 Jun 2016 7:28 p.m. PST |
Punkrabbitt and Hatshepsuut FOR THE WIN! Thanks for the chuckle! :) |
| Dr Mathias | 30 Jun 2016 7:34 p.m. PST |
Hehehehehe Punkrabbit. Me too, me too… |
| Martin Rapier | 30 Jun 2016 11:05 p.m. PST |
Same way I've done it fir 40 years. Trim the decal sheet, carefully hold it with a pair of tweezers in water for 20 seconds then put a drop of water on the target spot and slide It off the paper using the tip of a craft knife. Once in place, press firmly down with so kitchen paper to dry it. If necessary, slap some Matt varnish on once it is dry. |
| Mako11 | 01 Jul 2016 4:13 a.m. PST |
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| Dynaman8789 | 01 Jul 2016 4:44 a.m. PST |
Same as Martin (only for a lot fewer years). The decals for 6mm stuff can be a real pain in the rump too. |
| Patrick R | 01 Jul 2016 5:02 a.m. PST |
Exactly as Winston said, but usually slightly out of alignment or badly in some way or another as with most things I do. |
| Cold Warrior | 01 Jul 2016 5:25 a.m. PST |
Winston, will give your way a shot on my next batch of vehicles. |
| Vigilant | 01 Jul 2016 5:33 a.m. PST |
If you store decals for a long time it is worth coating them with Microscale liquid decal film before wetting them. This stops old decals from breaking up. Useful if you pick up 2nd hand old kits. Other than that Winston has it right. Check out the aircraft modelling press for regular articles on decal application and other painting/modelling tips. |
| Cardinal Ximenez | 01 Jul 2016 5:46 a.m. PST |
Gloss sealer. Apply decal. Gloss sealer. Dullcote. |
| Garand | 01 Jul 2016 6:07 a.m. PST |
As Winston and Don manser. I have been a plastic modeler for some 30 years, this is how I do it on my models, and thus how I do it on my wargaming stuff. Damon. |
| Old Wolfman | 01 Jul 2016 7:18 a.m. PST |
Last ones I did ,I brushed on the setting solution,gently positioned the decal,then brushed over it with the sealant |
| Mako11 | 02 Jul 2016 6:08 a.m. PST |
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