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compound curves

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  • Member since
    June 2018
compound curves
Posted by ARDVARK003 on Saturday, August 11, 2018 5:11 PM

Hi everyone,  I think the subject pertty much explaines what I'm going to ask. Any advice on how to get a flat decal to conform to a compound surface? It beats me. I've tried cutting them cutting them a bit where the curve is going to take place, only to have them tear,and you can't cut them wet. I'm stumped. Most times I've ended up tapeing and painting. Any tips would be appericated. Thanks much  AARDVARK     Hope all your builds a going well.

  • Member since
    June 2017
  • From: Winter Park, FL
Posted by fotofrank on Saturday, August 11, 2018 5:25 PM

One thing you could try is a strong decal setting solution. When I have a situation that involves so-called compound curves I use Walthers Solvaset. The stuff is strong. It will bend a decal to its will. When I did the decals for my Monogram F6F-5 I used Solvaset on the decals. While there were no compound curves to speak of, the surface was covered with raised rivets. When I applied the Solvaset, the decal media disappeared and the old Monogram decals nestled down nicely arounf the rivet detail. The decals look like painted insignia. Just remember, don't touch the decal while the Solvaset is doing its job. The decal gets all wrinkley and distorted, but give it time. As the Solvaset evaporates, the decal will look like it's painted on. Really.

OK. In the stash: Way too much to build in one lifetime...

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Saturday, August 11, 2018 6:08 PM

Aard- I tend to go with painting.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Saturday, August 11, 2018 6:11 PM

I use liberal and repeated application of microsol.  And dont touch it!

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Friday, October 19, 2018 12:24 PM

Solvaset works most of the times but sometimes you just have to paint the area.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • From: USA
Posted by keavdog on Friday, October 19, 2018 1:21 PM

And depends on the decals - these Tamiya ones layed down perfectly on the cowl with pleanty of solvaset.

 

 

 

Thanks,

John

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Saturday, October 20, 2018 6:58 AM

I often make slices in spots.  If the radii of the curves is too small multiple cuts are necessary to prevent too much overlap.  I cut the decal immediately after application and apply a decal solvent.

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Saturday, October 20, 2018 8:28 AM

keavdog

And depends on the decals - these Tamiya ones layed down perfectly on the cowl with pleanty of solvaset.

 

 

 

 

 

I agree. There are different brands of solvaset products out there, some stronger than others that can handle thicker decals. I, too, have the Tamiya Thunderbolt kit and it laid down wonderfully on the cowl.

Ive never done decals on spinner of Bf-109s and Fw-190s. Those are a challenge due to their thin lines.

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Saturday, October 20, 2018 11:10 AM

Sheep depending on the decal maker those spinner decals apply very easily like ones from EagleCals and look painted on after some Solvaset.

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: New Braunfels , Texas
Posted by Tanker - Builder on Saturday, October 20, 2018 12:55 PM

Hi AArd ;

   Pertaining to decals I use the strongest settin solution I can get . If that doesn't work then paint is in order .I have done very little of that though . Solvaset has always worked for me .Lots of it and patience !

   I thought you were asking about compound curves in plastic .That's another situation .

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Saturday, October 20, 2018 5:00 PM

plasticjunkie

Sheep depending on the decal maker those spinner decals apply very easily like ones from EagleCals and look painted on after some Solvaset.

 

 

I'll have to take note on that. 

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