How to weather decals?

I for one have never built a Japanese aircraft model. My recomendation, though, would be to cut a circular mask and spray a slightly lighter color. I don't know any way to lighten decals. (You could always just set the decals in the sun for a few weeks.... )

My ...

Just to confuse the issue, many references indicate that the bright red in the hinomura's actually oxidized into a darker, almost maroon red color rather than fading into a lighter red. There have been Aftermarket decal sheets available in the darker color for simulating weathered insignia.

Regards, Rick

I'd mask and paint them. You might find some info on the weathering here:
www.j-aircraft.com.

hope it helps

Thanks guys for the info. I will try to locate aftermarket decals first before attempting to mask.
emo07

Don't forget that if the camo paint is peeling off then so would the markings. Once your decals are dry & well bedded down, try a light rubbing with micromesh (a very fine wetndry in various grades). If you're lucky, and they don't peel off or shatter, then you'll end up with feathered edges and a faded look to your 'meatballs'.
All the best
Pete

You could also use pastels to either darken or lighten decals.

After the deacal is applied and sealed (use a flat since pastels don't really like gloss) then "paint " on a complementry pastel color and build up in layers to get your desired effect.

Don't forget that on the real thing the meatballs were painted on and as paint wears the color under bleeds through. I always like to spray a light coat of the bottom color over all my decals for a look that can't be beat. Good Luck!

my favorite way to age decals is by using an airbrush and painting on the worn look. if you don't own an airbrush then drybrushing works ok to to fade out colors and such. i apply the specified paint job, then i apply a couple of coats of future, then apply the decals. next, i do the wash thing, then commence the airbrushing/drybrushing to dirty up or fade out the decals. if you thin colors down really thin, it will make subtle changes in the color of the decals and surrounding areas that you can build to the desired effect. below are some attempts of said discription. hope this helps and everything turns out like you intend it too. if so, then load up some pics so we can drool take a peek. later.

Jaysus, Chris. What a series of wonderfully weathered AC.
Gonna have to pick your brain with one of my dental tools so I learn how to do dat.