Applying decals, for a the "new guy"

You said both "Best" way and "Easiest" way. These are frequently contradictory terms because seldom is the "Best" way the "Easiest" way.

The "Best" way is to start with a clean, smooth surface. No flat finishes. If it's flat put a couple of coats of Future over it until it's smooth or you'll get silvering under the decal caused by air bubbles getting trapped. Apply the decals, put some decal solvent over them so that they will conform to the surfaces, then add a gloss coat of dull coat as necessary.

Here's my method: www.craigcentral.com/models/decals.asp

if you don't have an airbrush, then after painting, use spraycan gloss coat before putting on decals. After decals, use a spraycan dull cote to flatten everything again and make the decals blend in. That's probally the easiest way, just make sure you practice sparying a few times, remember start sparying away from the model, move evenly onto and across the model, and stop spraying away from the model

1) Apply a gloss coat or coat of future over the entire model. (Future can be brushed on along with gloss coats in bottles)
2) Work with one decal at a time, apply MicroSet to the place you want to apply the decal.
3) Dip the decal in warm water with a bit of Elmers white glue mixed in. Dip in the solution for the required amount of time and then let sit on a paper towel. Then place the decal onto the model.
4) Brush some MicroSol onto the model. Let sit and use a damp cloth to press the decal onto the model. Repeat if necessary.
5) Allow the decals to dry 24 hours and then apply a flat coat.

to me the easiest way would be to "soak" them in water for about 1-3 minutes then 'look'
at the instrucks or the box cover to see where they go

blackcat

Nice tutorial, MusicCity!

yep, nice guide musicity, just what im looking for. Why didnt u tell me earlier LMAO ;)

thanks gordon J

hey dude, i just learned that you can cut off the extra clear decal "borders" as i call it around whatever decal you re going to use.. this is very useful when u have to place two decals together side by side for example.. or overlapping. it can save you a lot of stress when decals cross each others paths =) dont find out the Hard way..