I am currently working on a Ki27 model from Mania, and I have run into a problem. The red decals included in the kit are not fully opaque, meaning the color of the decal changes when applied to the model. I have already applied my first clear coat on the model, so making a mask of the decals and painting through that would be less than ideal. Are there any techniques to alter the decals to fix this? I saw the youtuber PLASMO paint on the actually waterslide decals in his recent Lancia build, does anyone know how to do this?
Probably the easiest way to deal with that is to research reviews on aftermarket decal sets for that aircraft and get the set that you like best. Not really any good way to fix a lack of opacity in some kit decals that I know of.
If you don’t go the aftermarket route, then it might help you to get some all-white decal sheet, cut the necessary patterns out of such sheet and put them on the model as the first layer. In a pinch you could take some unused decals with continuous foil or just stuff with big pieces and just airbrush white on top of that and cut out the necessary pattern from this homemade “white”. Lots of options here. Good luck with your build and have a nice day
Hi Alex; When I have a problem like that I normally just gently paint over the decal after applying it! This way I know the item is in the right place. Then I can deal with it’s opacity. I find that in doing this, if I use a very thin, almost wash of the color that works. What I do though is use the Acrylics that are quite common in “Hobby” stores, Such as “Folkart” brand. Their colors can be quite intense and that is why. I mention that brand because I needed a color once and they are the only ones who even came close. I do a lot of esoteric building, say catamarans and other odd watercraft and their paint patterns and shades are quite different than the ordinary, welcoming and pleasant stuff. Oh, they’re okay, but for instance I needed an orange that was richer in color than Testors or Tamiya could give me. Folkart had exactly what I was looking for. I do a lot of Brushwork because of allergies in our household so spraying is out of the question. Just use plenty of retarder to improve the brushability and give it a goodly drying time.
Seal the decals: Before applying the decals, you can try sealing them with a clear gloss varnish. This can sometimes help to enhance the opacity of the decals and reduce any color changes when applied to the model.
Modify the decals: If the decals are not fully opaque, you can try enhancing their opacity manually. One method is to paint the backside of the decal with a matching color to the decal itself. This can help to block out any underlying colors on the model and improve the overall opacity of the decal when applied.
Paint over the decals: As you mentioned, some modelers choose to paint directly onto the decals themselves to modify their appearance. This can involve using thin layers of paint to adjust the color or opacity of the decal until it matches the surrounding area of the model. However, this technique requires precision and may take some practice to master.
Use aftermarket decals: If modifying the existing decals proves difficult, you could consider purchasing aftermarket decals that are known for their high quality and opacity. These decals are often designed specifically for modelers who want to achieve a professional finish on their models.
Alex, if you have access to a vinyl cutter like a Silouette Portrait, you can scan the decals and make masks and paint the marking directly on to the model. This should be easy on a Japanese aircraft.