How do you apply decals?

It's not really that difficult but most of us have learned from our screw ups. The key is to have a really good surface to apply them on. If you scan through the forums you see a lot on Future Floor Polish. This is the best surface since it provides a smooth sealed surface. I've found the key is to give your model a number of light coatings. I use an air brush and Future diluted almost directly out of the bottle. You can dilute it a little. I've used window washer fluid which is just really alcohol and water. What you want to achieve is a glossy smooth finish. When applying the decal I use DecalSet and apply a light coating on the area where I'm going to apply the decal. Once I've applied the decal I'll let it dry slightly and than coat it again with the DecalSet. If it's on a flat surface that's all it usually takes. If it's on a surface that has rivets, panel lines or any other raised detail several treatments may be necessary to get the decal to settle down and give you that painted on look. Once done, coat the model with a laquer finish like Dulecoat or Glosscoat depending on the look you want. That will seal and protect them.

John

I've been spraying flat colors so far, will decals have any trouble sticking to the flat finish surface?

They will stick, but the uneven surface of flat paint will let light reflect through the clear areas and make them look silver. You should put on a gloss coat in the areas you want to decal.

HOW

If you have an airbrush, coat the model evenly with Future. If you don't have an airbrush, you can apply Future with a brush to the areas where the decal will go. Let this dry for 24-48 hours. Then use the previously described method. In areas of compound curves (a ball is a compound curve), it may be necessary to carefully slice the decal, with a SHARP blade, to make it conform to the surface detail. I usually "coax" the decal down with a wet Q-Tip, by rolling it over the surface. Don't use too much force, though, as the adhesive on the decal can occasionally stick to the Q-Tip if pressed too hard, or on a small decal. I sometimes use a brush to snuggle the decal down. Decals vary widely, and behave differently. With practice, though, they can be tamed. Hope this helps. Good luck !

Were can I get the future floor polish?

Future is available in supermarkets, discount chain stores, practically anywhere cleaning products are sold.

do you still use future floor polish before applying decals if you want to achieve a dull finish, like on old military planes? or will a final coat of dullcoat give the desired dull finish? Thanks,
jason

The dullcoat will dull down the future gloss as well as seal the decal.

If you want to apply the decals on flat paint, mix up some elmers glue and water (50/50). Apply a drop where you want to place your decal, an eye dropper works good for that. Place your decal and soak up the excess glue solution. You can use a decal setting product on top of the decal if necessary. After the decals have completely dried top coat with flat or gloss for your desired effect. I personally try to apply my decals to a gloss future finish but other than that, no difference.