Can I ask how you guys use the Aviattic decals? Large pieces or just small pieces?
Thanks for watching.
Hi Fvdm,
'Aviattic' decals, as you've found, are different to standard silk or inkjet printed decals.
They are tougher and can be stretched a little to align edges and joints.
I've found that the usual decal setting solutions are not needed and in fact have little effect on the decals, I think due to the nature of the carrier film used.
The main thing is to apply the decals onto a sooth and gloss surface.
The slightest surface imperfections, like hair, dust, scratches etc, will show through the decal.
The decals are either 'white' or clear'. The 'white' are created on a white background so the base colour on the model doesn't show through.
The 'clear' are translucent, so the base colour will show through. Therefore different base colours can be applied along with pre-shading before the 'clear' decals are applied.
I've found that larger areas are best covered with cut segments of the decal, otherwise you can end up with creases or 'fold over' of the decal.
When positioning one decal against another, make sure the edges are aligned exactly with no overlap.
Otherwise either the model base colour will show or the decal overlap will be darker (double thickness of the decal).
As for areas that are difficult to get the decal to conform, such as edges with tight curves, I use 'Tamiya' X20A thinners, applied sparingly by brush.
This effectively melts the decal and shrinks it onto the model edge.
Apply carefully as too much or continual brushing will damage the decal.
Where air is trapped under raised detail (as seen in your 4th photo - strut locations) and 5th photo (holes), prick through the decal and apply X20A.
The decal will shrink back and with holes, conform into the hole.
When applying light and dark decal, such as on a wing with upper surface darker decal than the undersides, apply the lighter colour decal first.
In that way any overlap of the decals will not be so obvious.
At scalloped edges, such as wing trailing edges, wait until the decal has dried then use a fine sander to remove any overhanging decal.
You can seal the sanded edges with X20A if any decal has detached.
Mike
