Need Advice
What is the best way to place decals on micro armor?
What solutions do you use ?
How do you seal them and protect them ?
Thanks
Nepty
Decals
Moderators: dnichols, GHQ, Mk 1
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alphaco
- Posts: 48
- Joined: Wed Oct 07, 2015 6:37 am
Generally speaking micro tank decals are very small so we can skip the gloss coat.
• Cutout the decal with an sharp Xacto Knife.
• Use clean room temp water - not hot nor cold. Distilled water is best especially if you have mineral rich water and or use a water softener. You can add a drop of dish detergent but not necessary for decals of this size.
• Place decal in the bath for 10-15 SECONDS only. Then lay flat on paper towel for 30 seconds. This will give time for the water to release the film from the paper backing.
• Lightly wet the model area where the decal is going.
• Place the decal paper on model and start to remove transfer paper, not the other way around.
• Use wet brush to maneuver the decal into place. Depending on size of the decal you can use a toothpick as well.
• Use a soft dry brush to remove excess water and smooth out any air bubbles.
• I STRONGLY recommend using a Decal Set Solution. It will help secure the decal as well as mold it around any contours. I use Micro Sol & Vellejo.
Final step is to seal with dull coat or which every lacquer finish you prefer. Please note that I have omitted necessary steps that would be required for larger size decals and or decals with +/- opacity.
Hope that helps:-)
• Cutout the decal with an sharp Xacto Knife.
• Use clean room temp water - not hot nor cold. Distilled water is best especially if you have mineral rich water and or use a water softener. You can add a drop of dish detergent but not necessary for decals of this size.
• Place decal in the bath for 10-15 SECONDS only. Then lay flat on paper towel for 30 seconds. This will give time for the water to release the film from the paper backing.
• Lightly wet the model area where the decal is going.
• Place the decal paper on model and start to remove transfer paper, not the other way around.
• Use wet brush to maneuver the decal into place. Depending on size of the decal you can use a toothpick as well.
• Use a soft dry brush to remove excess water and smooth out any air bubbles.
• I STRONGLY recommend using a Decal Set Solution. It will help secure the decal as well as mold it around any contours. I use Micro Sol & Vellejo.
Final step is to seal with dull coat or which every lacquer finish you prefer. Please note that I have omitted necessary steps that would be required for larger size decals and or decals with +/- opacity.
Hope that helps:-)
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Dog Smack
- E5
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2008 7:02 am
Hey Nepty,
What is the best way to place decals on micro armor? - I use tooth picks and a soft paint brush to place to decal where it needs to go. That and some patience.
What solutions do you use ? - I have used both Micro Sol/Set as well as Walthers Solvaset. Solvaset is quite strong and i have had good luck with it, but be careful as it maybe to strong a solution. In that case I find that Micro Sol works well with more delicate decals.
How do you seal them and protect them ? - Prior to placing the decals I gloss varnish the entire model. This ensures the least chance of getting bubbles under the decal due to the smooth surface. Now I place the decals onto the model. Once the decal and setting solution has dried (I usually wait at least a day), I coat the mini again with gloss varnish. This seals the decal as well as protects it from any additional weathering if you choose to do that.
Hope this helps!
Steve
What is the best way to place decals on micro armor? - I use tooth picks and a soft paint brush to place to decal where it needs to go. That and some patience.
What solutions do you use ? - I have used both Micro Sol/Set as well as Walthers Solvaset. Solvaset is quite strong and i have had good luck with it, but be careful as it maybe to strong a solution. In that case I find that Micro Sol works well with more delicate decals.
How do you seal them and protect them ? - Prior to placing the decals I gloss varnish the entire model. This ensures the least chance of getting bubbles under the decal due to the smooth surface. Now I place the decals onto the model. Once the decal and setting solution has dried (I usually wait at least a day), I coat the mini again with gloss varnish. This seals the decal as well as protects it from any additional weathering if you choose to do that.
Hope this helps!
Steve