any tips for applying decals?

[neo]

Does anyone have any tips for applying decals. I am soon to be applying decals to a Lancia 037 and i was wandering if there are ways of making sure the decals reach all the creases and bodyshell lines etc.

[Stefan(2)]

You shur did pick out a nice kit for a decal job!

Did not even dare grabbing mine yet for the fear of the

decal job!

lube it, thats the way to go

ok.. sereus, use water.

best to just use a eating plate (big), water in it, 3 drops of dishwash soap (the cheap stuff).

then sllllllllliiiiiddeee in position.

Just like u are used to do.

Then stroke away the soapy water what remains under the decal when

you have pushed it into the right place.

Use a soft brush or a piece of sponge/kitchen paper (WET!)

Or you could push the decal out his place again.

Good luck! *really!*

Stefan

[Muddybaldboy]

Stefan is spot on (as always[8D]), the only extra tip i'd add is using a hair dryer, set on warm, to soften decals to go around difficult contours/door shut lines etc.[]

[Lucodeath2]

I dont use soap cos some glue on decals doesnt like the soap, kinda like me! And use tweezers so you dont get finger prints on the glue.

[poulpit]

quote:Originally posted by Lucodeath2

I dont use soap cos some glue on decals doesnt like the soap,

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id="quote">id="quote">

Stefan is right....The soap water is used to apply big vinyl colored sheets on real cars or windows,..... With this, you can avoid the air bubbles between the substract and the adhesived film. []

[neo]

Hmmm, the decals that come with the re issue 037 are the self adhesive type.

[jozza]

That's fine, the soapy water works with self adhesive decals; it allows you to slide them into place and then the water finds its way out and allows the adhesive to take over. I normally use soapy water or window cleaner for this, it's a good way to position them. Try it on a small decal on a scrap piece of Lexan or plastic, you'll be surprised how well it works.

[neo]

WOW, well im not doubting you guys because I have just tried it. But it just seemed to go againts logic using soapy water on a sticky surface. But you are right. It worked really well. I just heated the decal a bit just to soften it and its gone into a crease on an old shell real well.

THANKS VERY MUCH [^]

[neo]

This is a dumb question but has anyone who has got a Lancia 037 painted the shell bright white or just apllied the decals onto that bare shell?

[SJoerD]

I don't use any soap or water, I'm always a bit affraid the decals will loose some of their adhesive power... I just do it according to the Tamiya guidebook: peel off the lining a bit (cut a piece of with scizors), then position decal and check if it's OK. Then just slowly remove the lining while pushing the decal down, making sure no air bubbles are caugth underneath. It always seem to work for me... []

As for a bit difficult shapes, when I can't stick it on without creases innitially, I heat the decal up a bit with the mentioned haridryer, but the decal will get soft and streches easily (that's the point though), but it requires a little care. Otherwise you decals will turn out a little streched out... []

As for the body, I would suggest painting it with a very thin coat of white paint, otherwise the plastic may turn a little yellow over age... [|)]