GHQ Models Forums

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

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:-)

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