Decals Guide

Beginner
1

Overview

If you want to do an ultra-true-to-form finish and are looking for decals, this guide is for you.

Before You Begin

These decals are designed to be applied with the "waterslide" technique. This results in a very high quality appearance, but has some notable caveats. Namely, it requires the surface to be sanded relatively smoothly and primed. These don't stick to raw prints.

Required Tools

1

Ordering the Decals

Simply go here and upload this file.
$30. Easy peasy.

Important

These decals do not stick to raw prints. You WILL need to sand and paint your parts if you go this route.

2

Applying the Decals

Major props to The Mighty Brush for this excellent writeup on how to apply these deals.

Pro Tip

The sheet comes with plenty of extra decals, but practice first.

  1. Ensure the surface onto which the transfer will be applied is clean and grease / dust-free. The more smooth the surface finish, the more likely successful adhesion will take place and the less likely the carrier film will show up.
  2. Cut the transfer out from the backing paper using a hobby knife, allowing a margin of paper around the edge.
  3. Grip the corner of the backing paper with tweezers and soak in water for about 30 seconds. Test for movement by pushing the decal with a paint brush. If it moves around freely on the backing paper, move on to the next step, otherwise soak for a little longer and try again.
  4. Important: Dab the back of the paper (with the decal still on it) on a piece of paper towel to soak up the excess water. If the transfer is too wet it will be ‘floppy’ whereas if the excess water is removed it will retain some rigidity, making it easier to slide off the paper onto the surface.
  5. Now, with the moist (but not wet) paint brush, gently push the decal slightly off the edge of the paper. If you’ve done everything correctly, the decal should stick out rigidly over the edge of the paper and not wrap around the back. If it wraps around the back, it’s too wet.
  6. Place the edge of the decal that’s hanging off the edge of the backing paper on to the model, press it down with the paint brush and slide the paper out from underneath.
  7. Make final adjustments to the position, adding more water if necessary. You cn use a paint brush to reposition, or a hard tool such as a wooden toothpick if the adhesion is too strong. Allow to dry for a few moments and then gently dab off excess water with a piece of paper towel. Ensure there are no air bubbles or water trapped under the transfer by gently stroking with a paint brush from the centre outwards toward the edges.
  8. Allow to dry completely. When all transfers have been applied and allowed to dry, it is strongly recommend that a protective coat of a suitable varnish in gloss, satin or matte finish is applied over the transfer. This should be carried out particularly in circumstances where the transfer is positioned where the model will be handled and definitely where the transfer is likely to come into contact with chemicals of any kind.
3

Decal Placement

See image for exact placement

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4

Sealing

Last step! Hit it with some Krylon acrylic UV-protectant sealant (matte).

Guide Complete!

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