"Shattering" problem 1/48 Authentic Decals VFA-81

Try some Microscale Decal film on the survivors. I have had good results on fragile decals with thisstuff.

Outstanding suggestion!  Would you brush it on, or airbrush them?

I have brushed it on... not sure if I wanted to try to spay it with an airbrush and gum that up.

+1 for the Microscale Liquid Decal Film. It's brilliant stuff and cheap insurance for older/suspect decals.

Remember to wash your brush out well before it dries. I'm not quite sure what sort of solvent will work after it's dry on the brush though.

The reason Future doesn't work is that it's not designed to be flexible.

Stikpusher,

fantastic idea with the microscale liquid decal film!  It has eliminated about 99% of the problems I was having with this set of decals...other than me being all thumbs as usual.  I'll post a photo of it when I'm done. 

Thanks very much again!

Youre very welcome Jarhead! Glad to hear it solved your problems there. I look forward to seeing your work.

As far as being all thumbs... i have that same trait myself at times.

Testor's Decal Bonder... Rattle-can.. Spray the sheet or individual decals PRIOR to trying to use them.

Make sure you don't get any on the BACK of the paper..

Worked every time for me so far, even on thirty-year old decals...

http://www.policecarmodels.com/tedebosp.html

I want to thank everyone for their help and input on this project.  Without your suggestions and ideas I would not have been able to finish it.  Now that this kit is done, I don't think I will ever build another Revell Super Hornet kit ever again due to all the problems with it. 

Here are some photos of how it turned out:

Hi, I have just torn some more hair out (which I cannot afford to lose) using "Authentic brand" decals on a 1:48 MiG 29 Fulcrum, and found the same problem, they loosen from the backing paper very quickly and when I apply them to a very glossy surface, with plenty of water, (so they are almost floating) then try to manoeuvre them into position they tear/shatter.

The first and last time I will ever use this brand. I have never had trouble with decals like this in over thirty years of modelling.

Regards.

Doug.

Did you use the decal film like stated in this thread?? Authenitc decals are terrible for this. They all just break apart without being coated with a clear decal film. I tend to shy away from these decals, which sucks because they have some cool and unique subjects...

Sometimes you are not aware that the decals are so old, and they come apart before you are aware they were bad. I have gotten into the habit of scanning all my decal sheets into the computer unless I know the kits are fresh, new kits.  In some cases if the decals are lost I can make inkjet replacements from the scan.

No I didn't, but I will get some for future use.  I purchases some Begemot decals but have yet to try them out.

Cheers

Doug

From what I've read Begemont decals are much better than Authentic.