Airfix decal question

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Will be decaling an Airfix Su-27 Flanker pretty soon. Just wondering if Microset and Microsol (if I need it) will work well with Airfix decals in general. The decal sheet is a little old. I’m thinking of brushing on liquid decal film on the decals just to be sure they don’t disintigrate. Comments, suggestions?

Thanks very much,

Dave

2

To be honest, with all the AM decals available, I’d ditch the Airfix decals. If the kit decals are your only option, your suggestion of the decal film is a good idea. Just put it on as thin as possible. Use both the Microset and Microsol as these decals have a habit of silvering. Or, use Future as the adhesive. Hope this helps!

Cheers
Bert[:)]

3

Bert,

Thank you very much for the information. I like the kit decals and if they survive the soaking and application I’ll keep them. But will shop for AM set just in case.

Thanks,

Dave

4

I have a similar question, for someone who has built more Airfix kits that me (almost none in 30 years): I’m doing the 1/48 Buccaneer (I know, I know) and I was thinking of using some of the kit decals, since I haven’t got the Operation Granby markings I want. But they look like really thick, tough decals, the type that won’t settle down, and will silver no matter what you do. Is my assessment correct?
Tom

5

I think your assessment is correct. It’s always a crapshoot as to whether or not Airfix decals will perform, particularly those kits that are boxed in France. Years ago, I did the Ford Trimotor kit and baths of Solvaset would not make the decals settle. The decals were the same as you described. Yet on the other hand the same type decals were in the J2F Duck kit and they worked fine. Go figure. Whenever I have trouble with them I resort to a mixture of Solvaset and white glue and this helps avoid the silvering and makes them conform better. Otherwise I admit defeat and go AM. Hope this helps.[:)]

6

If you have an older Airfix kit, go ahead and dump the decals. The odds are about 9 to 1 against you that the decals are usuable. With a current kit the odds are more likely to be 50-50. I’ve reached the stage that with both Airfix and Hasagawa kits (whether new or old production) I start looking for an AM decal set before I even open the kit (of course most of the Airfix kits in my stash are 20+ years old)

7

Thanks for your’ help all. Will attempt to use kit decals with Solvaset and if they don’t work I have 2 sets of AM decals on the way.

Thanks,

Dave