[NSSMACK]

Hey all. So trying some new things on some figures I'm working on. Water slide Decals, so far I've done nothing but butcher these applications.

I have to watched tons of videos and read articles. But not working for me here.

Anyone have a good step by step for this?

Like.
1. Microset
2. Decal
3. Microsol

They just don't seem to be setting right for me.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks!

[Breakerfan]

I'm not sure if I can added anything that wasn't touched on in the videos but here is how I do it. Note I use this stuff on model aircraft. I've never tried to decal a figure, but I imagine the process is the same.

I put on some microset, apply the decal and then use a damp q-tip to smooth it out. After it dries a bit, I apply some microsol gently with a brush. At this point LEAVE IT ALONE until it dries. Sometimes microsol will make the decal shrivel up. When it does this, trust the process and LEAVE IT ALONE. Touching the decal before the microsol dries will almost always result in tearing it. Once dry it will be smoothed back out.

After everything is completely dry, you can add a little microsol again if needed.

Edit, I find decals also sit better on a gloss surface so I usually put down a clear gloss coat before applying the decals. Afterwards I re-gloss and then hit it with a dull coat if desired.

[NSSMACK]

Thank you, appreciate the tips!

[Hard-er Master]

Great advice!!!

I usually brush on a couple coats of Micro Set to the decal before application, then apply a thin coat to the figure where I intend to place the decal and let it dry to tacky before application. Patience is key.



HM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Breakerfan

I'm not sure if I can added anything that wasn't touched on in the videos but here is how I do it. Note I use this stuff on model aircraft. I've never tried to decal a figure, but I imagine the process is the same.

I put on some microset, apply the decal and then use a damp q-tip to smooth it out. After it dries a bit, I apply some microsol gently with a brush. At this point LEAVE IT ALONE until it dries. Sometimes microsol will make the decal shrivel up. When it does this, trust the process and LEAVE IT ALONE. Touching the decal before the microsol dries will almost always result in tearing it. Once dry it will be smoothed back out.

After everything is completely dry, you can add a little microsol again if needed.

Edit, I find decals also sit better on a gloss surface so I usually put down a clear gloss coat before applying the decals. Afterwards I re-gloss and then hit it with a dull coat if desired.

[dbritt]

All of that is good advice. On the back end, though, rather than brushing the microset, I typically spray with Rustoleum 2x matte clear (or gloss depending on the product). Like others said, the microset often causes the decal to curl or crinkle up.

I do decals on McFarlane sports figures, so I'm really familiar with the issue with working with folds and contours. I use one of those old white plastic brushes that used to come with Testors kits at Walmart. It's provides a little more flexibility than a q-tip (which is great for flat surfaces). Put a thin layer of micro-sol (or micro-set, never noticed a difference, really) on the surface, put a little on the decal, lay the decal, and brush it down. If you have an spots where it doesn't quite fall in, I let it dry like that. Then I take a toothpick with the end whittled down to a thin point or "blade", put just a touch of glue on it, work it under the decal where it's not touching the model, and used the other end of the toothpick to press the decal down until it dries in place.

[GeoffDes]

All I've ever tried has been those waterslide Cobra logos that you can get for cheap online, and in all honesty I tend to be super-conservative where I apply them - flat areas only.

For that all I ever use is a Qtip to "wick" away the water, but I'm sure that everyone else here has more complicated, and better, methods.

[NSSMACK]

Thanks all. Setting these tips into action we'll see how it goes tonight!