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Post by bn1 on Jan 10, 2007 6:09:53 GMT -5
ok, so i have some cheap LL freight cars that were painted for Australian roads which are unprototypical, so i'm repainting them my next question is how to decal? ? btw, dumb it down a bit too i'm planning on using Microscale decals if my LHS carries them (or can order them) if this helps thanks Alex
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Post by UP Patcher on Jan 10, 2007 7:00:08 GMT -5
You can print your own on decal paper. Some companies make decal kits. Testor's is one. I don't know if it's available in Australia, but the Testor's decal making kit is sold in Wal-Mart here.
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Post by pcarrell on Jan 10, 2007 7:38:58 GMT -5
The trick with the decals you make is getting the sealant on the decals (from a special spray can sold seperately) without it causing the decals ink to run. Think "very light misting coats" here. Once you master that, you're home free. Just apply like a regular decal.
If you use comercially available decals all you neet is some setting solution and some dullcoat, both available at the LHS.
To apply, soak the decal, use a brush to apply some setting solution the the place on the model where you want the decal, slide the decal film from the backing paper (you want the decal wet, not dripping), and apply it to the model. Brush on a bit more setting solution and wait a minute. The setting solution softens the decal so it'll cover rivets and conform to small surface changes. It also helps to prevent silvering. Now take a paper towel and stick the corner of it in the wet spot on the model. Let the paper towel draw the liquid into it by capilary action. this will hepl to keep the decal where you want it and it won't move by accident. Now set it aside for overnight. The next day hit the model with a fine mist or two of dullcoat to seal your work and you're done!
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Post by bn1 on Jan 10, 2007 21:12:41 GMT -5
is the Dullcote essential, or just a luxury?
thanks
Alex
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Post by UP Patcher on Jan 10, 2007 21:36:00 GMT -5
I use Matte-finish, it's cheaper.
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Post by bn1 on Jan 10, 2007 21:58:38 GMT -5
but, do you need to do it?
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Post by lotus098 on Jan 10, 2007 23:38:14 GMT -5
Well it depends on how good you want it to look. I use it, because if used right with Microsol your decal will look like it's painted on. If you don't mind seeing a little bit of the decal film or it doesn't seem to need it don't use it. A word of warning, if the decal is not worked down onto the model and you spray it with Dull-coat it will leave a white film in the spaces. I had that happen on a grain elevator. That's why on most of my models I use four or five coats of Microsol on the decal before I spray.
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Post by bn1 on Jan 11, 2007 0:18:49 GMT -5
ok
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Post by pcarrell on Jan 11, 2007 8:37:53 GMT -5
Well it depends on how good you want it to look. I use it, because if used right with Microsol your decal will look like it's painted on. If you don't mind seeing a little bit of the decal film or it doesn't seem to need it don't use it. Thats right! Also, it seals the decal on so that dirt and moisture don't ruin the decal in the future. Thats the "silvering" that I mentioned earlier. The decal setting solution will help a bunch with this.
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Post by Ike the BN freak on Jan 11, 2007 20:08:07 GMT -5
Micro-Scale has directions on the back of the packages on how to apply the decals. You'll need both Micor-Set (Blue Label) and Micro-Sol (red Label). Sol allows the decals to set into the details. Set makes them set.
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Post by bn1 on Jan 11, 2007 21:05:26 GMT -5
thanks
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Post by lotus098 on Jan 11, 2007 21:52:50 GMT -5
I have never used the setting solution and don't believe it is necessary, but that's just my opinion.
I have used Walther's decal softener on Mircoscale decals and Microsol on Walther's decals. Most people high recommend not doing this, but I haven't had any problems. I've also heard horror stories about it too (Decals shriveling up and so on), so I don't do it anymore.
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Post by pcarrell on Jan 11, 2007 22:17:33 GMT -5
I use it. Matter of fact, if the decal is going to go somewhere that has a lot of surface detail I'll put on a light coat of glosscoat first so the decal has a smooth surface, then do my usual.
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