DLM/Dragon Decal sticker things?

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

I have the M1A1 AIM kit. In it, there are a few decal sheets and one sheet of what looks like stickers.

I am sorry if this seems like a stupid question…but I am a little puzzled by these. Are these really just adhesive stickers? Is there anything special I need to do to stick them? And if not, what is to keep them from peeling off…like stickers tend to do after time.

Thanks

2

Hi Paul,

If I recall correctly, the “sticker-like” things are the turret-front CIP panels (tan coloured rectangles with dark “L” shapes on the corners).

These hold up quite well actually, and I doubt they will peel off if treated right. I would apply a gloss coat where these are to be applied - this helps them stick much better than on a “flat” surface. Do not bend them or you will get unsightly creases which look terrible.

If you don’t like the idea of self-adhesive “stickers”, you can replicate these panels using thin plastic card. This is, in fact, the way Tamiya does it in their M1A2 kit - they supply a small sheet of plastic card and you have to cut out your own CIP’s to the dimensions provided in the instructions.

3

I have used the self adhesive CIPs. Academy also has them in their OIF Abrams kit. They go on well and haven’t pealed in 4 years. I also dullcoated them just like decals.

4

As ever, Gino’s right. Dullcoting self-adhesive stickers is essential if they’re not to peel eventually, and look as if they’re part of the model, and not just, er, stuck on:

Cheers,

Chris.

5

right on.

Thanks for the info guys!