PLASMO - plastic models

Tips and tricks

How to build a plastic model (6)
Water-slide decals

Difficulty:

In this article, I will give you instructions on how to apply water-slide decals on your model. Applying decals is not so much difficult, and yet it can make your model much better. Also, I will show you products for decals enhancement.

Applying water-slide decals

Cut out decal, that you want to stick to the model, from the sheet. Take care not to cut into the edges of decal or into the other labels. Put the decal with tweezers in tepid water for about 10 seconds. Paper will start to saturate with water and it will curl a little. Do not leave decal in the water too long, because it could separate itself from the backing paper, and then you would have difficulties with pulling it out from the water.

After 10 seconds, pull the decal from the water, put it on the table, drip some water on the sticker, and wait about 15 seconds. When the decal is straighten, it means that we can try to move it on the backing paper. We will use moistened cotton ear sticks. Try to push the decal, and if it moves, it can be applied on the model.

First, moisten the surface of model with water, where the decal will be placed. If the surface is dry, the label adheres to the surface, and it would be hard to move it into exact position according to the plan. Hold the paper with decal in tweezers and transfer the decal on the model. Do not use any sharp tool for manipulating with the decal. It could be damaged.

Preparations for decals enhancement

There is a number of special products for additional decals enhancement. If you are a beginner then you will be probably satisfied with simple applying of decals. However, if you want to have your model better looking then you can use the following tips.

The label is printed on the clear matrix, and therefore it is difficult to place the decals on curved or convex parts. Usually, you can see transparent edges around the decal after you stick it on the model. If you spray your model with gloss varnish, it will unite labels with the model surface.

Also, you can use other special preparations for proper establishment and refinement of decals. Personally, I prefer Mr. Mark Softer and Mr. Mark Setter preparations. These lotions dissolve the paint and decals look like if they were painted directly on the model.

What comes next

Next time we will create weathering and the model will be completed at last.

Comments

#3  Pepa  2011-11-30 16:14:36

Ano, také používám pouze Setter, Softer je skutečně agresivní. Ale pokud píšeš článek, měl bys dbát na tyto detaily a informovat komplexně a správně.

#11  david  2015-01-09 18:47:18

dá se dát pod obtisky místo Mr. Mark Softeru Mr. Mark Setter

#19  Zdenek  2015-06-27 13:24:16

Softer...decal fix...naprd.Dělám modely let....nanáším zředěnou kyselinu octovou a jak decal,obtisk či nálepka přilne...přetřu ALPOU!!!
Na doleštění a sjednocení barev a obtisku...Leštidlo na nábytek DIAVA....ale ne červenou...O tom kde se dá sehnat....nevím.Já toho před lety koupil kýbl a mám ji dost....Nepište,nedávám a neprodávám.

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