Decals 101

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

Looking for a link to a post or web site that covers the basics of decals for a newbie. Did some searching on this site and have a few tips but could still use a “how to” reference if you know of one…

Thanks!

chilimac

2

Well after some more searching on the net I ran across this link.

http://www.showrods.com/acrobat_articles/applying_decals.pdf

What do you think? Any more tips/suggestions to add or does this cover it?

  • chilimac
3

That’s an excellent article on decaling, and a very good reference. I disagree on a few points though:

  1. I always start placing decals on the left and move to the right. This is because I’m right handed and tend to put fingers down to stabilize my hand when placing small decals. Inevitably, if I start from the right, I’ll put a finger on a decal that is very delicate from the setting solution and ruin it.

  2. I never use a hobby knife to cut or trim decals. As a kid I cut through too many decals when the knife slipped slightly. Use scissors, preferably those with a short, curved blade since they allow you to cut curves quicker.

  3. Getting the air out from under a decal when it is placed is critical. He uses a brush to push the air out, I use Q-Tips and ROLL them over the decal. I never push until the decal while there is water underneath or it will inevitably move.

  4. In the last section dealing with decals on a flat hood one recommendation is to trim close to the graphic and place it on the paint itself. If this is done the hood itself will be flat however the decal will be glossy. I’ve seen this many times on military aircraft, and it just does not look right. In situations like that I much prefer a flat topcoat.

4

MusicCity,

Thanks for your reply and tips! I was beginning to think I had asked one of those “dumb newbie” questions that everyone was laughing at since I had lots of views and no replies :slight_smile:

Seriously, Thanks!

chilimac

5

There is no such thing. If you have a question ask away. I’ll answer anything I can help with, which admittedly isn’t that much. The only thing I’ll pass by are the ones that get asked on a frequent basis because someone didn’t want to take the time to look for themselves. Anyway, glad I could help a little.