1⁄35
Decal Dilemas

by Mal Mayfield
10
Comments

What to do.

The model, a Tamiya Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia, has been given 2 hand brushed coats of Klear (see my article The Future is Klear). It is necessary to make sure that the surface to be decalled is smooth as this will prevent “silvering”. This is caused by air being trapped between the rough matt surface and the decal film.

The first thing to do is to make sure that the surface of the model is free of any dust particles. Wipe over the surface with a tack rag or damp cloth.

Next cut out the first decal from the sheet and place it in the saucer of water. Leave it for a short time only-30 seconds is usually ample. Take the decal out of the water and place it on the folded paper towel. Leave the decal on the towel until it slides easily on the backing sheet. The Tamiya kit decals took far longer to reach this stage than did the Aeromaster decals I used for the main markings.

While waiting, apply Aero Set to the model surface where the decal is to be positioned. (The Aero Set/Sol work the same as other decal setting solutions so just substitute you favourite brand).

Project Photos
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About the Author

About Mal Mayfield (Holdfast)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

Hi, my name is Mal Mayfield and I have been modelling seriously for about 25 years. My main interest is 1/48 scale second world war. I build all types and all combatants. I have built 1/35 scale "targets" and 1/72 scale modern aircraft, plus a couple of cars. I have also dabbled with figure painting...


Comments

Wad_ware
That is a really well done and informative article. It's articles like this and modelers like Mal and the rest of you that makes this a great modeling site Wayne
JAN 31, 2004 - 03:07 PM
Babva
Nice job with your article. Thanks for taking the time to share with everyone. Very easy to understand.
JAN 31, 2004 - 03:12 PM
Zverko
What you will need. 1) Shallow container for water. A saucer is ideal. 2) Scissors. 3) Scalpel or hobby knife. 4) Steel Ruler. 5) Tweezers. 6) Setting solutions (I'm using Aero Set/Sol) 7) Brushes to apply the solutions (one for each so there is no cross-contamination). Folded paper towel. 9) Something to support the model. I use a homemade stand but an empty box will do. 10) A Taz mug with some whiskey in case the decals silver or strip No, really .. great article. Zverko
FEB 02, 2004 - 08:10 AM
Holdfast
:-) Thanks guys, and Zverko. Of course the Taz mug is optional and it contains tea (this time anyway) cos the decals won't silver or strip :-) If you follow the rules Mal
FEB 02, 2004 - 08:57 AM
wingman
Great job on this feature. it was layed out nicely and the pics showed detail well, looking forward to see the finished Spit. Wingman out.
FEB 02, 2004 - 09:32 AM
Halfyank
Thanks very much for this article. I have only one comment, there are OTHER things to apply decals to than aircraft. I was going to try using Micro Set/Sol on an tank kit this weekend. I'm glad I saw this article first as I probably would have freaked from the "wrinkling" he mentions after applying the Sol. This article has probably saved me a lot of grief.
FEB 02, 2004 - 11:32 AM
Graywolf
so many photos and the article is easy to understand and very helpful...great job..thank you WOLF.
FEB 02, 2004 - 12:07 PM
flitzer
Having asked a few questions recently about Kleer/Future I have read Mal's previous excellent feature of the same subject and now the decal one....can't wait for the third one to conclude. Great stuff Mal....The Lord of the Rings (roundels). Cheers Peter
FEB 03, 2004 - 01:04 AM
shonen_red
Nice article! Can be very useful in the future!
FEB 03, 2004 - 01:52 AM
Holdfast
:-) Glad to help, I'm trying to get the complete build of this Spitfire on to the aircraft gallery "on the workbench" under Spitfire Mk I. When I can sort out how to keep the pics in the correct order, I'll start adding pics. I aim to bring the build up to date within a couple of weeks, or less. Keep taking a look, and if there's anything you think would make a useful article, just let me know. I'm planning ones on using Blue/White Tack as masks and using Parafilm-M. Mal
FEB 03, 2004 - 09:36 AM
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Copyright ©2021 by Mal Mayfield. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely the views and opinions of the authors and/or contributors to this Web site and do not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of AeroScale, KitMaker Network, or Silver Star Enterrpises. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved. Originally published on: 2004-02-01 00:00:00. Unique Reads: 15426