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Forums - Modelling / Painting |
The painting forum is for the discussion of techniques on the painting, decalling and weathering phases of AFV modelling and the tools and materials used. |
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| Messages | 6951 |
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| Subject: | Re: Decals - How to apply? |  |
| Date: | Jul 5, 2005 |
| From: | Michael Powers | |
I know that everyone has subtly different methosd but here is mine:
Materials:
Acrylic-based Gloss Finish
Micro-Set Decal Setting Solution
Micro-Sol Decal setting Solution*
Acrylic-based Flat finish
A soft pointed brush
An airbrush or good quality flat brush to apply gloss and/or flat finish
*Walthers Decal Setting Solution is also very good
1. After the paint on the model has thoroughly dried, apply an acrylic-based gloss finish to the areas that you wish to apply the decals. An airbrush is ideal here, although a brush is fine. Let this dry for 24+ hours.
2. Now trim the decal as close to the printed material as possible.(Some Decal manufacturers have quite broad carrier film around the decal and you will want to eliminate as much of this as possible).
3. Place the decal in some water to soften it and get it off the backing material. While it is soaking use a small brush to apply some MicroSet to the area on the AFV where the decal will go. This will break the surface tension of the paint and aid in adhesion.
4. Slide the decal in place. Dampen a corner of a paper towel,rolled into a little blotter pad, and press the decal in place.
5. Apply some of the setting solution to the surface of the decal and let dry. If the surface is flat it should go pretty well. After the decal is dry bubbles may appear, prick them and apply more solution.
6. If the surface is irregular, bolts, seams, etc you will need to use the MicroSol on the surgface of the decal(only!). This will seriously soften the decal and get it to conform to the surface detail. Don't touch it while it is drying, as you could damage the decal. Again, air bubbles may occur and will have to be treated as mentioned earlier. You may have to topcoat the decal several times to get it to conform perfectly.
7. Let everything dry completely. If ther is residue, it can cleaned up with a clean brush dipped in clean water.
8. Overcoat everything with a clear finish of your preference(Gloss, Satin or Flat)especially if you are going to use any oil washes to weather you vehicle.
This will also eliminate any of those shiny spots where the decals were applied. |
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