How to apply the tiniest of decals..

Tojo72

I carefully use the tip of my #11

Those A-7 's look outstanding

 

I use my blade too. Then roll a Q-tip over them to press them into place and push out the water under the decal. Or if they will not be seen (black stencil lettering against olive drab) I don't put them on. 

Galatians 2:16

Incredible work Wolfman_63! How did you make those decals?

 

I’ve used tweezers as well on larger decals, but I think I will have to try the damp brush method now. 

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I just gathered photos of the actual aircraft and they scaled them to 1/350. I did it for all 86 aircraft. I also built one of each squadron in 1/48 scale  and used those for any images I could not find on the internet. You can see the entire build of the aircraft carrier at https://davidsscalemodels.com/build-log/1-350-uss-carl-vinson/  There are many close up photos of the aircraft getting decals.

Here is one of the two sheets I made.

I carefully use the tip of my #11

Those A-7 's look outstanding

Wolfman_63

When I did my 1/350 Aircraft Carrier I built all 86 aircraft and made my own decals. I found using a damp 0/5 paint brush perfect for applying the very small decals. It worked so well I now have 3 different size paint brushes I use exclusively for decalling.

 

Incredible work Wolfman_63! How did you make those decals?

I’ve used tweezers as well on larger decals, but I think I will have to try the damp brush method now. 

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Wolfman_63

When I did my 1/350 Aircraft Carrier I built all 86 aircraft and made my own decals. I found using a damp 0/5 paint brush perfect for applying the very small decals. It worked so well I now have 3 different size paint brushes I use exclusively for decalling.

+1 I use paint brushes too.

I am in the midst of applying decals for 1:700 carrier planes.  Wow, are the stars tiny.

I had been applying them with fine point tweezers, but that has chipped a few decals.  I am now putting the paper against the aircraft surface and using the tweezers to push the decals onto the aircraft surface.  That is working better.

Nail biting patience while eagerly anticipating the finished result. Many the slip between cup and saucer.

When I did my 1/350 Aircraft Carrier I built all 86 aircraft and made my own decals. I found using a damp 0/5 paint brush perfect for applying the very small decals. It worked so well I now have 3 different size paint brushes I use exclusively for decalling.

A good pair of cross-lock needle nose tweezers is invaluable.

Hi Charles,

Be sure to apply them to a glossy surface.

Try not to involve too much water or sol and hold the decal down while you wick off the wet.

When placing a series of decals right next to each other, try to take time between each to let them set one at a time. Like a day.

Some decal sets are a little crazy. You really don't need to add every stencil to a jet unless you feel like it.