smoothing out decals

[Jim]

Hi there

I've almost finished building a WNW Sopwith Pup and have experienced a problem with smoothing out the decals (see attahced photos).  Some of the decals look a little rough, with tiny air bubbles trapped underneath the surface.  I spray painted the model with a gloss coat before I applied the decal, but I'm not sure whether I should have prepared the surface further (the surface feels a little 'grainy').  I applied Mr Mark Softer on the decals a couple times, which has helped, but I'd like to know if it is possible to smooth out the decals further.

Thanks in advance.

Jim

BTW: Can anyone tell me what the difference is between Mr Mark Softer and Mr Mark Setter? 

[kornbeef]

Jim You could try  A hot wet wad of kitchen cloth (j-cloth type) and press the decal firmly down working out wards  keep it hot... this softens and moulds it to the surface.  Why it bubbled I've no idea, I have just applied my Pup decals a week or two ago and they went on okay over brush coated Klear.

hope this helps


Keith

[pepperman42]

By any chance could it be the Mr Mark Softner was too hot for the WNW decals and has crazed them?

Steve

[Epeeman]

Jim,

For decal application I use the following method:

First, I apply (with brush) some decal setting solution (Humbrul Decal fix) onto model surface where the decal is to go.  Slide on decal and then press down (gently) with soft tissue paper.   I leave for a few minutes, then apply a decal soften solution (Revell decal soft) with the brush supplied in the lid.  Again, leave a couple of minutes.  Lastly, I get a soft paint (clean) brush and gently brush along decal gently brushing out any bubbles.  This also blends the decal into the the surface contours of the model.

Once dry, I then apply several layers of clear coat which, when dry really pulls decal onto surface and blends in decal tone to match surrounding paint.

Dave

[ALBATROS1234]

also if you have a bubble you can prick it with a sharp needle and press on it with a damp warm rag.

[kornbeef]

WNW actually reccomend you DONT use decal solutions with thier decals.. or did.  I havent checked in a while. 


Keith

[gcn]

For WNW decals i do the following:

Ensure surface is nice and smooth, doesn't need to be too glossy a satin finish will suffice.
Dunk decal in warm water for about 10 seconds, meanwhile
apply a 50/50 ish mix of water and future onto the surface where the decal is to reside. Future pulls the decal down water ensure you can move it around.
apply decal and flatten into surface with a hot cloth.
To get the decal to conform to lumps i'll prick the surface and tease the decal with a flat firm brush into shape.
blast decal with hairdryer to heat shrink

should be good enough

[Trackpad]

also if you have a bubble you can prick it with a sharp needle and press on it with a damp warm rag.

Albi's right. You just have  bit of air trapped under the decal. By using the needle you release the air, then use warm water or a touch of decal setting liquid to bring the decal film back into contact with the model's surface. Good luck!