Applying decals/transfers

[Ratch]

I like to apply decals in a routine manner, using tools familiar to me (your set up may vary from mine). I gloss coat the model before laying decals down. Decals laid on a matt varnish stand the risk of silvering and a gloss finish will reduce this risk.

I cut the decals from the sheet usually with scissors, although sometimes I use a scalpel.

I have a dish filled with water from the hot tap. I use plastic tweezers to pick up the selected decal and dip it into the dish,

the decal is then placed on the side of my cutting mat.

I allow time for the water to loosen the decal from the backing sheet. By laying the decal on the mat, it doesn’t float away in the dish and can be manipulated with a wet brush. I have a small A4 sized mat that I use exclusively for decals, unblemished by paint spillages. I use an old Revell double ended brush that came with a Gift Set. It has a blue end I use with the Microscale Industries Microset,

and the red end I use to apply Microsol. Microset helps the decal adhere to the surface

and Microsol softens the decal to aid its conformity to the surface. I use another old brush to manipulate the decal from the backing sheet and transfer it to the model.

Larger decals are best transferred directly from the backing sheet to the model surface. The brush is used to position the decal before Microsol is applied over it.

The decal can then be left to dry. Excess water can be absorbed with a tissue or kitchen roll.

The process is repeated for each decal.

[Ratch]

I should add that once all the decals are on, the appropriate varnish can be applied.

[Mark Fussey]

Would I right in saying prior to applying transfers the varnish you would use on Modern Aircraft is Gloss Coat and Military vehicles/aircraft Matt coat ?

[peebeep]

A gloss surface is ideal for decal application, whatever the model. Once decaled and weathered to taste use a top coat of the required sheen, whether it be gloss, satin or matt.

[Ratch]

Would I right in saying prior to applying transfers the varnish you would use on Modern Aircraft is Gloss Coat and Military vehicles/aircraft Matt coat ?

Always apply decals over a gloss finish to prevent silvering.

 

 

Once set, the appropriate varnish can be applied, whether matt, satin or gloss.

[KC8]

Hello,

I recently used Humbrol Decal Fix on two 1/72 tanks. However, after leaving overnight around each decal appears to be watermarks. Is there a way of correcting this?

Admittedly, I did not use a gloss coat beforehand, but after following Humbrol's YouTube tutorial is said applying straight to Matt should be okay.

Thanks in advance,

K

[paul71]

Hi KC8 I've had that sort of problem before, sometimes I've varnished over it and it has gone if that hasn't worked i just repaint gently over the mark to blend it in and then just varnish over it again

i water down humbrol decal fix ( don't measure it just add some water) keep that in a separate bottle give it a shake before i use it then pour it back in when I've done

i find its easier to move the decals on the kit and they don't stick to my fingers as easy, if they do start sticking to my fingers more instead of the kit i just add a bit more water to the decal fix

if you have any excess decal fix on the kit or decal use a tissue to gently soak this up just take a second look at the decal in case it has moved a bit

best of luck and just keep trying different things till you find out what suits you best.

paul

[KC8]

Thanks Paul! I'll certainly what you've suggested. 😊

[Pretty Mediocre Modeller]

It's been pinned at the top as it contains a useful tutorial that may be of help to new modellers without them having to search for it.

Another useful tutorial could be how to remove join seams when joining fuselage halves, for example, then that could be pinned at the top as well.

[Ratch]

Before this thread was pinned, we had countless new threads on the same subject because newcomers don't search before starting a new thread. I was getting fed up with explaining the same thing ad infinitum. Since pinning, the volume of new threads has drastically reduced, even if those who have found this helpful (or otherwise) don't post.

[Antony-1216856]

Thank you for the info

[Sailorman]

Would I right in saying prior to applying transfers the varnish you would use on Modern Aircraft is Gloss Coat and Military vehicles/aircraft Matt coat ?

 

 

NO! Decals should not be applied on Matt coats. Always apply them on Gloss coats. If you are using Matt paints then apply a Gloss lacquer and let is dry. Then apply the decals. Once they have dried apply a light Gloss lacquer over them then apply a Gloss, Matt or Satin lacquer over the whole model depending on whether you want a Gloss, Matt or Satin Finish.

 

 

If you apply a decal on a matt painted surface you end up with this:

 

 

[Jon-1296662]

On 08/06/2023 at 21:14, Sailorman said:

 

 

NO! Decals should not be applied on Matt coats. Always apply them on Gloss coats. If you are using Matt paints then apply a Gloss lacquer and let is dry. Then apply the decals. Once they have dried apply a light Gloss lacquer over them then apply a Gloss, Matt or Satin lacquer over the whole model depending on whether you want a Gloss, Matt or Satin Finish.

 

 

If you apply a decal on a matt painted surface you end up with this:

 

 

Would you be kind enough to share your method of dealing with this problem?

Because I would like to know if you can remove the decals without damaging the surface they’re on, or whether you have no choice but too scrape it off with a blade, or rub it off with a high grit wet & dry, or if there’s another method of removing them?

with thanks, Jon.

[Ratch]

You could try pricking the decals with a sharp blade or pin and flood with gloss varnish.