wonwinglo
SMF Supporter
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2004
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- First Name
- Barry
Decals still remain the favourite decoration for model kits and the cottage industry has escalated the production of same,here are a few tips that could prove of help to decals that are tricky to apply-
Applying decals over uneven surfaces can sometimes prove a real headache,it is worth noting that never apply the markings to bare plastic,just brush a thin coat of clearcote where the decal fixes,this has the effect of bonding the transfer to the varnish rather than to dry out and dry curl.
If application proves troublesome such as over corrugations etc then float the decal first in water then flood it by immersing in white vinegar,the acetic reaction will soften the decal and allow it to curve around tricky areas,you can also flood the area itself with the vinegar and once in position dab off with a soft cloth and neutralise the area by applying plain water with a brush and dabbing again.
Always varnish transfers,although they appear firm time can certainly lift them,clearcote applied just overlapping the edge of the decal works well.
Old decals can prove a problem,but all is not lost,two things can happen the worst scenerio is that the transfer gets brittle and cracks,flood the old decal with clearcote,allow to dry and do a test soak in lukewarm water,sometimes this works but in odd cases the decal just locks to the backing paper.
In the later case the answer is to scan it on your computer and print out onto the commercial decal papers now available on the market,follow the instructions to get best results.
For old decals that will not lift easily from the backing paper then try the following-
Add some flow solution to the decal water ( obtainable from art shops for increased flow of acrylic paints ) best to make the water a bit warmer than usual,soak for say 10 minutes,do not attempt to slide but pick up one edge with a toothpick gently easing the decal away from the stubbon backing paper,what has happened is that the decal adhesive has aged too much.
To apply flood the area to be applied with water,lay onto the surface tension of the water and carefully dab down the edges with a soft absorbent cloth.
Applying decals over uneven surfaces can sometimes prove a real headache,it is worth noting that never apply the markings to bare plastic,just brush a thin coat of clearcote where the decal fixes,this has the effect of bonding the transfer to the varnish rather than to dry out and dry curl.
If application proves troublesome such as over corrugations etc then float the decal first in water then flood it by immersing in white vinegar,the acetic reaction will soften the decal and allow it to curve around tricky areas,you can also flood the area itself with the vinegar and once in position dab off with a soft cloth and neutralise the area by applying plain water with a brush and dabbing again.
Always varnish transfers,although they appear firm time can certainly lift them,clearcote applied just overlapping the edge of the decal works well.
Old decals can prove a problem,but all is not lost,two things can happen the worst scenerio is that the transfer gets brittle and cracks,flood the old decal with clearcote,allow to dry and do a test soak in lukewarm water,sometimes this works but in odd cases the decal just locks to the backing paper.
In the later case the answer is to scan it on your computer and print out onto the commercial decal papers now available on the market,follow the instructions to get best results.
For old decals that will not lift easily from the backing paper then try the following-
Add some flow solution to the decal water ( obtainable from art shops for increased flow of acrylic paints ) best to make the water a bit warmer than usual,soak for say 10 minutes,do not attempt to slide but pick up one edge with a toothpick gently easing the decal away from the stubbon backing paper,what has happened is that the decal adhesive has aged too much.
To apply flood the area to be applied with water,lay onto the surface tension of the water and carefully dab down the edges with a soft absorbent cloth.