1:12 carbon fibre on motorcycles (Motogp)

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Hi

It’s has probably been posted before, but. Yes the big BUT.

What is the best way of applying carbon fibre decals around various motorcycle parts, where there are curves goinging everywhich way( and some are very small even in this scale), and end up with something that looks realistic. I just seem to end up with a crumpled heap. I do use micro sol and set, I sit and wait for what seems forever and nothing really happens. Is there something I am missing?

many thanks

Macmac650

2

You might want to try solvaset. Much more potent, but riskier. If that stuff doesn’t set your decals, you’re pretty much sunk. I would have to assume that you are using gloss paints, but before decaling, airbrush Future ploor polish (Since you’re UK, try Johnson’s kleer shine or whatever) over the part. High gloss all the way. Then apply the decal. Side note, clean the airbrush with a mild ammonia solution, Windex works very well, but clean it quick! Best of luck to you!

3

I have tried to find a seller of Solvaset in the UK but haven’t had any luck so far, I will probably have to buy it from the US.

I do have the floor polish and have used it to great effect when I was building my EH101.

Many thanks for the advise anyway.

4

The method I use is

  • apply the decal, and get it into position
  • wet a flanel rag with really hot water, and wring it out (get it as dry as possible), (careful not to burn yourself)
  • press the hot flannel onto the decal.

the heat makes the decal soft enough to conform to the curves, and the pressure from the flanel sets it into place.

5

Dioramator

Thank for that, I will give it a try.

Thankfully within the kit there is a spare frame and airbox parts that aren’t used so I will try using these with some of my carbon fibre decal before trying to do the proper parts.

Fingers crossed.

6

Many thanks Boba Fett

I have found a website selling solaset in the UK, unfortunately they are out of stock at the moment, but I have placed an order with them (along with other things that caught my eye). I am looking forward to the delivery and then trying solvaset.

Again many thanks for the information.

7

Glad you’re trying it. Just be really careful with the decal. The stuff is REALLY potent. I believe it’s the most potent of all decal stuff. For trains and stuff like that. Best of luck!

8

AT LAST. My order for Solvaset has arrived (ordered in September!) I have only tried some on my test bike (an airfix 1:12 bike) and Solvaset worked like a dream. Once again Boba Fett many many thanks for the information, I can now start applying this carbon fibre.

I’ll still use my other decal solution, but when all else fails I will be using Solvaset.

The other solutions I have tried are:

Micro sol & set (a long time favourite and worked on most decals I have used)

Revell decal soft

Humbrol decalfix

9

Boba Fett

Just to let you know I have tried the Solvaset—LOVE IT. Nothing else would help with these decals. I put some Solvaset on them BANG. Here are a couple of photos.