How close do you trim your decals?

WOW Nick, something I never tried......of course I dont know that I want to lol be my luck something will go screwy with mine and I'll go through a few decal sheets before I get it right! DOH!

hi guys,
i use future to provide a gloss base for my decals and it works pretty well.
however, for the first time the other day, i cut the white upper wing crosses for my 109 (wingy thingy group-build) into 4 sections each[:0], and tried aligning them by hand...to my surprise, not only did they align fairly easily, but there was absolutely NO silvering, because there was no film in the middle of the cross to silver!!
regards,
nick

Put them over gloss varnish and you will not need to do that.......

I try to trim as close to the color as possible. I haven't had any problems yet, but there is always that first time. And I expect it anytime. I've always heard trim as close as possible to keep from having that annoying bit of clear area show up on the model.

Ken

Thanks for your feedback guys. You know, I thought it was always proper to trim the clear edges, but after seeing it on two separate aftermarket decal sheets, I started to wonder.
Chris - You're right about misleading info from manufacturing. Maybe this suggestion is put there for the less experienced, or less careful modelers to try to ensure that they end up with a presentable model (without cut-up edges). I know what you mean about a slip of the knife. Amazing the depth of color in human blood, eh?

rjk - I thought about the thickness problem, too, but the quality of decals these days gives us good images that are so very thin that usually my final flat coat hides it all.

Thanks again to all who answered and a very Merry Christmas to all.

Stinger

HEY,
I also trim the film close to the image. It makes it easier to work with and it reduces silvering. Also, it gives you something to do when you are waiting for paint to dry.

Randy

First, always apply decals over a gloss finish to minimize silvering. Some Decal Manufacturers do not recommend trimming the carrier film becuase in theory you will then create an unrealistic sharp edge visible where you cut it. In practice, I think the possibility of silvering is greater than the possibility of an objectionable sharp edge, so I usually trim the film close to the graphic.

Rick

Stinger I really cant see why they would recommend this....Some things manufacturers recommend never cease to amaze me LOL!

I to trim mine as close as possible, more than once have I had a slice and cut into the actual decal image! DOH!

I guess if it really doesnt affect the use of thier product...do whatever you like.

Thanks Greg
I have been trimming close to the image and removing the excess carrier film, with apparently no ill effects.
I was really just curious as to why the decal makers would suggest specifically not to do this, and what the majority of you guys and girls out there do.

To all the rest of you out there, I would like your input also.

Thanks again

Stinger

I generally trim my decals fairly close to the image and have had no ill effects. It all depends sometimes where I'm placing the decal, for example; if I need to place a decal in an area on the model where the excess carrier film will hang off or will interfer with surrounding details, I will always trim it off. Also by trimming the decal you decreasing the chance of silvering film around the image and you improve the sharpness of the decal to. It doesn't take long to prep your decals in this manner and in the long run I think it's more than worth it. The diffences are obvious here, maximize the appearence of your finished model by taking the time to trim them especially if you run into positioning and placement problems created by excess decal film as we all have and will at some point. Have fun and give it a try, you'll be glad you did.