SEARCH FINESCALE.COM

Enter keywords or a search phrase below:

Applying Decals

1447 views
4 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2016
Applying Decals
Posted by Tanker45 on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 7:50 AM

Hello all!

I'm curious as to what you all do for applying decals.  I model armor and quite often I get the decals nice and flat but still can see the edge of the film, even after several coats of clear.  

I have used stencils to replace some of the markings but still rely on the kit supplied decals for numbers, etc..

My process is gloss, decal with microset/microsol, gloss again, apply flat. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 9:02 AM

Tanker45

Hello all!

I'm curious as to what you all do for applying decals.  I model armor and quite often I get the decals nice and flat but still can see the edge of the film, even after several coats of clear.  

I have used stencils to replace some of the markings but still rely on the kit supplied decals for numbers, etc..

My process is gloss, decal with microset/microsol, gloss again, apply flat. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

I generally do not gloss again after applying the decals if I want a flat finish. I find flat clear coats work fine directly over the decals.  If I want a more weathered finish I may airbrush a lighter or same color, very light coat, over decals.  This sometimes hides edges a bit better than just the clear flat.  So it depends on subject and decals.  I generally do not use decal solvents unless there is a real need to, like a compound curve area.  Solvents are tricky and can really mess up the decal if you are not careful.  I do generally use the setting solutions, however.

 

 

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Friday, October 18, 2019 5:24 AM
Try to carefully remove as much film as possible close to the decal with an X-Acto knife

  • Member since
    July 2016
Posted by Tanker45 on Friday, October 18, 2019 7:41 AM

I usually try to get as close as possible.  I'll keep at it!  Thank you!

  • Member since
    July 2016
Posted by Tanker45 on Friday, October 18, 2019 7:43 AM

Thank you!  I'll give that a try!

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.