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Looking for Tamiya decal advice

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  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Looking for Tamiya decal advice
Posted by Greg on Sunday, November 27, 2016 11:40 AM

I've heard complaints about Tamiya decals over the years here.

I'm building my first Tamiya kit in forever, it's a 1/48 P-51 I'm trying my first NMF (with Alclad) job on, and I'm concerned about the decals.

I've done the prop decals and stencils and had to put way more clear on top to hide most of the raised decal bumps than I'd care too. Put a test decal on a wing surface, no way it's going to work without a clear coat first and again way more on top afterwards despite many recommendations here not to clear coat Alclad prior to or after decaling.

So finally (sorry), my question: Should I really change course and go with aftermarket decals? (the whole point of this particular build was to be SOOB but.......) Or are there work-arounds to make the Cartograf (which I thought I'd heard were pretty ok which confused me even more) work?)

Looking forward to some informed opinions, TIA.

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Sunday, November 27, 2016 12:26 PM

Wait, these Tamiya decals are Cartograph? I would suggest Solvaset solution, in combination with heat from a hair dryer, all while pushing the decals down into the surface with a soft damp cloth. Also, use hot water for dipping the decals into. 

 

 

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Sunday, November 27, 2016 12:53 PM

So are you saying Cartograph are good? Do Tamiya kits sometimes contain the decals folks complain about and sometime Cartograph? I'm confused.

Thanks for your response, Nathan.

 

  • Member since
    March 2010
  • From: MN
Posted by Nathan T on Sunday, November 27, 2016 7:31 PM

 Cartograph decals are generally regarded as the best. Sometimes manufacturers use them, such as Hasegawa or Eduard. So it makes sense that Tamiya might use them from time to time. It seems odd that you say they are so thick...cut out all the extra carrier film and give the hair dryer trick a try. 

 

 

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Sunday, November 27, 2016 7:37 PM

I most definitely will, Nathan.

Thank for the info on Cartograph.

Perhaps all the negative comments about Tamiya decals offered up a negative power of suggestion. I can be somewhat gullible in that regard. Embarrassed

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Monday, November 28, 2016 8:52 AM

Many contests and organizations consider aftermarket decals okay in OOB.  They will give you a pass on aftermarket decals.  Whatever paint you want to chose is okay too.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    May 2013
  • From: Indiana, USA
Posted by Greg on Monday, November 28, 2016 11:39 AM

Thanks Don, I didn't know that.

I was just doing this OOB as a change of pace for myself, but your info is good to know anyway.

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