Waterslide decals, frustrating me!
Discussion
Hi guys. Maybe some of the more hardcore modellers could offer me some tips.
I’m getting back into building the odd Tamyia 1:12 motorbike models.
I’ve built a good few over the years but when I’m doing decals on bike fairings I’m having a lot of grief when the surface areas are compound curves.
I’ve bought some Decalfix that I’ve not tried yet as maybe it could help soften the decals to allow them to be a bit more compliant in getting them to go on nicely. I’ve never used anything other than a saucer of water in the past, so am I going about it wrong or would you have any other useful tips I could utilise.
I’m getting back into building the odd Tamyia 1:12 motorbike models.
I’ve built a good few over the years but when I’m doing decals on bike fairings I’m having a lot of grief when the surface areas are compound curves.
I’ve bought some Decalfix that I’ve not tried yet as maybe it could help soften the decals to allow them to be a bit more compliant in getting them to go on nicely. I’ve never used anything other than a saucer of water in the past, so am I going about it wrong or would you have any other useful tips I could utilise.
Super Sonic said:
Decal softener will allow the decal to confirm to compound surfaces and also to uneven surfaces.
When you first ut it on, it will make the decal go all wrinkly.
Do not panic. Do not touch the decal while wrinkly, it will smooth as it dries.
Oh right, I’m glad I asked then. Would have freaked if not prewarned about wrinkling decals. When you first ut it on, it will make the decal go all wrinkly.
Do not panic. Do not touch the decal while wrinkly, it will smooth as it dries.
Will have a go over the weekend.
Skyedriver said:
Scrapped a rally car due to the decal fail. Tiger Moth in abeyance, waiting for replacement decals.
Yesterday was not a very good day. Tail section on the model I will probably need to strip and start again. Zero success with the humbrol product I have tried. Either tgat or I try and patch it up with paint where it’s looking s
te!I’ve tried decal fix and couldn’t really get on with it. My go to is Micro set and micro sol. It’s not cheap but I’ve had my bottles for 10 years now and still got loads left.
Use a brush and apply some micro set where the decal will be going, apply decal, flatten it out with a cotton bud then apply micro sol. I also use a hair dryer at this point sometimes to speed up the conforming and drying.
Some decals are great (cartograph), some are pigs - I find tamiya decals too thick.
Use a brush and apply some micro set where the decal will be going, apply decal, flatten it out with a cotton bud then apply micro sol. I also use a hair dryer at this point sometimes to speed up the conforming and drying.
Some decals are great (cartograph), some are pigs - I find tamiya decals too thick.
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