Best way to do water decals?
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INTREPER
- Officer - 2nd Lieutenant
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Best way to do water decals?
I remember being really bad with these as a kid. So i'm wondering if the experts might have some hints for me as I try to put some crocked cross decals on my Stuka and FW.
My advice for water slide decals is to start, cut out the decal as close to the printed part as possible so that you have less clear film showing when it is placed on the aircraft. Next, place the decal in some clean water and let it sit for about a minute. Take it out of the water and check to see if it has loosened from the backing yet by gently trying to slide it with your finger. If it will slide easily it is ready to go on the plane. If not, just wait a little longer until it will slide.
Once it is ready to go on the plane, Wet your fingers with a little water so that the decal doesn't stick to your fingers. Pick it up by the backing paper and get it pretty close to where you want it on the plane. Slowly slide it off the backing paper and onto the plane. You will have a little bit of time right after you place it to slide it around to where you want. Once it is in place, blot it with a paper towel until it is dry and flat and doesn't have any airbubbles behind it. Let it dry overnight and you're done.
If you want it to have better adhesion, pick up some Micro-scale Micro Set setting solution for decals at any local hobby shop. Just brush it on the spot where the decal is going right before you place it. It softens the decal as it drys to get it to conform to the surface better. Use Micro Sol for decals on irregular surfaces as it will soften the decal even more to get it to stick to odd shapes.
Hope this helps. If you need any more advice or help, just ask.
Once it is ready to go on the plane, Wet your fingers with a little water so that the decal doesn't stick to your fingers. Pick it up by the backing paper and get it pretty close to where you want it on the plane. Slowly slide it off the backing paper and onto the plane. You will have a little bit of time right after you place it to slide it around to where you want. Once it is in place, blot it with a paper towel until it is dry and flat and doesn't have any airbubbles behind it. Let it dry overnight and you're done.
If you want it to have better adhesion, pick up some Micro-scale Micro Set setting solution for decals at any local hobby shop. Just brush it on the spot where the decal is going right before you place it. It softens the decal as it drys to get it to conform to the surface better. Use Micro Sol for decals on irregular surfaces as it will soften the decal even more to get it to stick to odd shapes.
Hope this helps. If you need any more advice or help, just ask.