As an experienced modeler, I know how to solve the most obvious decal problems , but this is different… I have P61 Monogram kit where the decal edges are curling up. I prepared the surface with a few coats of gloss laquer and have used Micro Sol Set to soften the decals. The edges still wll not flatten. Ideas???
Let the decal dry on, then overcoat it with another coat of clear gloss(use future, instead of lacquer, otherwise you could destroy the decal!), that will seal the decal to the model. Also, have you tried using dry transfers or stencils?
Hey greg,
I know what you mean I too have been there[banghead]. One thing you can do as mentioned, let the decals dry then take a fine grade sand paper and lightly sand the edges(this will help reduce the edges)
As you are doing this you could apply Mico Sol set or a decal softener to help get rid of the rolled up edges as well. Dont apply the gloss coat yet since it will basically seal it.
Also have you ever tried using after market decals?? They are awesome and you have a variety of markings to choose from and a/c.
In my 20 yrs of modeling I have used the supplied kit decals a few times w/ mixed results.
I really forget which a/c it was but I bought my first after market decal set and never went back[:p]
Good luck my friend and if ya have any questions please feel free to e-mail me at Falcon42177@yahoo.com or Falcon174th@aol.com
Flaps up, Mike
You can also try brushing some white glue, diluted with water, under the decal. Lightly roll a moistened Q-Tip over it & remove excess glue. You may just have an adhesion problem. Either the manufacturer skimped on the glue, or it wasn’t completely transferred from the backing paper to the decal when you slid it from the paper. Some decals need warmer water to release the glue, also.
Hope this helps !
Thanks guys for the suggestions. Roger your suggestion on after market decals. In the meanwhile I’ll try to make these work. I can always remove them. I can’t sand the edges because I have already cut away most of the excess film around the decal. Reminds me I wonder if in my files of old decals if I have any available but unused of comparable size for the US Insignia?
I to have had the exact incident happen on a recent model. My solution was to sandwich the decal between thin layers of Future. First I painted the area where the decal was to be place with a thin coat of Future. I dipped the decal in warm distilled water - once the decal released from its backing paper I slid it onto the model on top of the Future. With a Q-tip I wicked just a little excess water away and let the decal dry for approx 5min. or so. I watched for the decal to curl, but it didn’t!, the Future held the edges down somehow. Next I painted a little Future over top the decal a let it dry completely. Not only did this technique solve the curling edges, but the decal really looks painted on! Give it a shot, good luck!