Cracking Decals

Two things. First of all, a couple of companies make a decal film that you can brush or spray over a set of decals that are cracking.  This works quite well.  Only problem is that it makes the sheet one decal, and you have to cut carefully around each decal before soaking it, but this is usually not a problem.

Secondly, whenever I get ready to start decaling, I scan the sheet and put the scan on my computer. If for any reason I mess up a decal, I may be able to make an inkjet copy using inkjet decal paper. It is good insurance.  Sometimes I have had a decal fold back upon itself and be ruined- in other cases I have just plain lost a decal.  Being able to make a substitute has sure saved a few models.

Don Stauffer

Secondly, whenever I get ready to start decaling, I scan the sheet and put the scan on my computer. If for any reason I mess up a decal, I may be able to make an inkjet copy using inkjet decal paper. It is good insurance.  Sometimes I have had a decal fold back upon itself and be ruined- in other cases I have just plain lost a decal.  Being able to make a substitute has sure saved a few models.

That's a good idea.

Many thanks for the suggestions. I will order some liquid decal film and also try the scanning tip.

Don, my question is this.. If the decals are cracked won't that show up on the finished product.

Cheers Leo

The liquid film may fill in the cracks. At the least it keeps the decals from floating into pieces when you immerse them in water.