SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Splintering decals

992 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2004
  • From: Sydney
Splintering decals
Posted by cossack on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 3:58 AM

I am sure this question has been asked before, but I was wondering how people treat decals that splinter as they float clear of the backing paper.

My kit is nearing completion - paint work is all good.  But given that it is a 1995 Promodeller 1/48 He.111, I can not seem to find any after market options.  I am hopeful I can find alternative Balkenkreuz ... but lettering and other codes might be more problematic.

So would love to hear any other ideas about how I might rescue the sheet.  Any ideas?

 

Paul

  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: England
Posted by P mitch on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 4:41 AM

321062531509?pt=ModelKitUS&hash=item4ac0d171b5

Have a look there, ebay for after market decals

Phil

"If anybody ever tells you anything about an aeroplane which is so bloody complicated you can't understand it, take it from me: it's all balls." R J Mitchell


  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Hatfield
Posted by Misty on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 5:49 AM

if you know its going to break up ive heard of people spraying the decal sheet with future or the like to hold them together (let it dry before wetting the paper!!). never tried it myself tho'.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 9:20 AM

There are a few commercial products that as far as I am concerned work a bit better than future.  They are called things like decal coating, decal saver, etc. Micro Scale makes a popular one. They are a clear coat that goes over the decal.  Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • From: Hatfield
Posted by Misty on Thursday, January 31, 2013 4:45 AM

Don Stauffer

 Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

Didnt know that, thanks! ill be doing some home decals soon and that will be invaluable advice.
  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: Rothesay, NB Canada
Posted by VanceCrozier on Thursday, January 31, 2013 7:43 AM

Don Stauffer

There are a few commercial products that as far as I am concerned work a bit better than future.  They are called things like decal coating, decal saver, etc. Micro Scale makes a popular one. They are a clear coat that goes over the decal.  Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

I'll Ditto Don's post. I recently used some of the Microscale liquid decal film on an old Airfix sheet... because SAAF decals are hard to come by in the aftermarket world! Again, had to be careful trimming them out, but it worked like a charm.

On the bench: Airfix 1/72 Wildcat; Airfix 1/72 Vampire T11; Airfix 1/72 Fouga Magister

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Thursday, January 31, 2013 8:37 AM

talentless

Don Stauffer

 Only thing you have to watch is that you then have to cut out the decal as close as possible- the whole sheet that you coat becomes one decal.

Didnt know that, thanks! ill be doing some home decals soon and that will be invaluable advice.

Be very careful using decal film on inkjet decals.  The inks from most inkjet printers dissolve in many substances, and finding a proper protective overcoat can be a challenge.  Make a small test sample decal first to try a decal film over it.  I have used future, clear Polyurethane, and Testors Glosscoat. I prefer spray cans of the later, and I have to do it in three coats- first a very light mist, second a medium coat, and after that is thoroughly dry, a heavy coat.  I had not thought of using decal film as an overcoat but it is certainly worth a try.  I will give that a test next time I make some decals.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

SEARCH FORUMS
FREE NEWSLETTER
By signing up you may also receive reader surveys and occasional special offers. We do not sell, rent or trade our email lists. View our Privacy Policy.