This is my first time working with Photo-Etch at this level of detail. How do I transfer the print images to the actual parts? Do they transfer like decals?
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This is only my personal practice, so take it with a grain of salt, but so far it always worked for me and I am talking on tinier 1/72 scale models. So, if they work on that scale they must also work on 1/48 scale.
And first of all, no, they do not work like decals and you have to have very fine modeling scissors to carefully cut them out and apply them on the item you want to apply them to.
If the item has model engraved details you have first to shave them or sand them off by carefully removing them all. Once done, wash the part with dish washing soap and water to avoid plastic dust leftovers. Let the part thoroughly dry or dry it with a clean smooth cloth.
Then cut the printed part carefully out, remembering not to loose it because at times they tend to jump off and go in the limbo of nowhere found. If possible and perhaps better, is to fix the print foil with masking tape to a firm cutting surface and try to cut it out with a very sharp and new hobby blade. I usually use a surgical scalpel for this operation.
Once cut out, the printed part has to be glued to the previously blank detail part you want to cover. How to do it? There are special glues and not corrosive ones out there. One I often use is Deluxe Looks Like Glass (see the photo at the end of my answer), which not only functions as a canopy cleaner, but also functions as a non aggressive glue for transparencies and even decals holding them in place without marring them.
Let it dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step. Once completely dry and so fixed, you may proceed with the application of the PE part over it being careful to align it over the printed transparency. Dry fitting is now called for this process.
Once you are sure where the PE part has to go, instead of your regular cyanoacrylic glue or simply put, crazy glue or super glue, try to find a less aggressive glue. I use Deluxe Photo-Etch Glue which is water based and does not crease or fog the underlying plastic part and is easily cleaned up with water if necessary.
Some also suggest AMMO MiG Ultra Glue but in my own experience is not as good as the Deluxe product and takes far too long to dry.
So, here are the pictures of both suggested products I personally use:
As well as two YouTube videos explaining their qualities:
I hope that my humble suggestions have clarified the procedure for you and will help you produce the best model ever. The sky’s the limit!
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