I recently began making my own decals and right away I ran into problems. I was using a Q-tip to slide the decals off their backings and onto the model, but it created two problems: it left fine hairs behind and the Q-tip tended to soak up the water I was using to float the decal.
I found that if I took a new wooden pencil and cut the eraser into a chisel point, I could use it to move the decals without damaging them and there was no fine hairs to worry about.
I apologize if this has already been suggested. I did a search and didn’t find anything, and even started going through all the pages but gave up because there are just too many.
yeah, stay away from Q-tip unless you’re using them to roll over top of the decals to stamp out remaining water that may be hiding under decals. For actually moving the decals around, the two most pivotal tools that I have for this is my finger and a round edged tooth pick. With both of those, you can’t go wrong. If they get stubborn, and want to lock up, just apply a little more water, and they’ll usually play nicely again.
I’ve used paintbrushes full of water, the point of a round toothpick, a wet microbrush, and sometimes my finger. I find if I apply it over decal set, it may stick too soon before I am done positioning it, so I usually use water or a combination of both. If I use water only, after it dries enough so it’s not going to move anymore, I will brush over it with Microset. I use Microsolve only for the stubborn ones.
There’s a good article in the current FSM about this topic.
I use tweezers. I have a pair with very sharp points. One does have to be careful not to tear the decals, by trying to apply them before the adhesive softens enough. But after a few tries you learn to use them and it works fine. The fine tip also allows me to poke and drag them for fine positioning after they are on model. I do use Q-tips to blot and push down the decals after they are in position.
The best method I have used for years now is a combo of tweezers and a fine detail paint brush. When I cut out the decal I leave enough backing on one edge to hold the decal. Then I use the moistened (with water) paint brush to slide of the decal and position it. Works perfectly every time and you dont have to worry about hairs or tears. I always apply with water as microset tends to dry too quick sometimes for positioning. After I dab up the excess water careful not to disturb the decal (or you can wait till it dries, doesn’t take more than a few minutes) then brush over it with microset followed by a bit of micrsol.
Very information. Creative, imaginative, and enterprising. These are just a few of the words that I’m struggled the script, reading off the teleprompter.
I use a disecting probe that came in a dissecting kit I had left over from my college biology class days.
Its basicly a wooden dowel rod as a handle with a long metal needle coming out one end.
I have 4 of these. they are quite handy for many modeling chores.
I use the others to enlarge small holes. Scrape putty (and other gunk) out of hard to reach areas (wing roots). Stirring-mixing tool (just remember to wipe it clean).
