Carrier Decals

[WargameHub]

Before I start putting the decals on the carriers are there any recommendations or instructions?

Currently the ones I'm ready to put on have the deck primed in black, should I leave it or is another color recommended?

I'm assuming the decals are water ones?

[StarCruiser]

As with most decals, I'd recommend a glossy paint for the primer coat. The decal will get a smoother finish.

You can then dull coat it after the work is all done...

[33YearsGHQ]

Here are the formal instructions. The base color allows you to adjust how light or dark the deck turns out. The base color should be gloss (or apply gloss coat over your paint). Also - go easy on, or dilute, or do not use decal softener.

Here are the instructions for using them:

1. These decals are printed on solid white decal paper. You will need to neatly cut out the decal with sharp scissors or an x-acto blade. Don’t leave any white around the edges if possible or it will show up when you apply the decal. You can cut just slightly inside of the color or if you prefer you can paint back over any white edges that show up.

2. Apply the decal onto a deck that is base coated in a lighter color… I used a light grey color. This allowed me to paint the ships as normal (with an airbrush) and then apply the decals without having to paint the deck a different color. You can use white for a brighter looking deck, but I like the slightly toned down effect that grey gives. If you apply over a dark color like black, it will make the decal look darker.

3. Apply gloss varnish/paint to the deck before you apply the decal; if you don’t it is harder to slide and place the decal… and you run the risk of pulling up the base coat paint. I use a coat of Testors Glosscote sprayed from a can.

4. Test fit the decal before you place it in water; depending on what options you placed on the deck (antennas, etc.) you may need to do some additional trimming of the decal. I designed these decals with the standard options in mind (like the Island).

5. You can use Microscale "Micro Set" to assist with firmly planting it on the deck.

6. To avoid a very long skinny decal from becoming tangled, I suggest that once the decal is wet and ready to slide off the backing paper, set the deck in its eventual position but offsite by 1-2 mm… when ready just slide it off the paper and onto the deck and slide the backing paper out from under the decal.

7. With a paint brush (or some other soft decal instrument) position the decal in the position you would like it; try to slide air bubbles out from under the decal in a sort of gentle squeegee action.

8. After the decal is in the position you want, you may use a decal softener like Microscale “Micro Solâ€￾ in very small quantities (I dilute this) - this step may not be necessary as the Micro Set seems to help the decal snuggle into the details.

9. For steps 7 & 8, be careful not to rub the decal with excessive or repetitive force… decals are delicate things and can tear

[33YearsGHQ]

Also, I have listed some of the most popular WWII decals again (IJN and early USN carriers). Continued limited availability:

Store address:

http://stores.ebay.com/taskforce2400

The CVE Bogue should be available in a few weeks

[WargameHub]

Thanks, now I have to find some glossy paint. All I have is Vallejo and there isn't much gloss to that.

[33YearsGHQ]

I would just get a can of Testor's spray Gloss-Cote