BATTLETECH How to Use Decals | Death Ray Designs & Fighting Piranha

Do you suffer from decalaphobia? You are not alone. Over 60% of wargamers suffer from this crippling affliction that prevents them from taking their models to the next level.
Hang out with Aaron and Ben as they walk you through two different (and simple!) methods to slap some decals on your favorite BattleMech. Featuring amazing decals from Death Ray Designs (www.deathraydesigns.com) and the venerable Fighting Pirannha Graphics, the DFA team will walk you through everything - step-by-step - to overcome your fear of decals.
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[@sebastiang.5032]

You two should do more 'Hobby Hamgout' episodes, it's fun to watch!

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

It could happen! Thanks for watching.

[@stevenhernandeznon-profitf968]

Yes!!! I have decals but I have been intimidated about using them

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Go for it!!! I am a new convert and can’t believe how easy it is!

[@sebastiang.5032]

Love the Fighting Piranha decals. I put them on my minis using Microset and Microsol. Best times!

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

You make some great lookin’ minis so can’t argue with those results!!!!

[@chrispetersen4863]

Perfect timing on this! Just recently ordered and received some decals from Aries and am hesitant to attempt putting them on as it's been almost 40 years since the last time I disastrously tried to put some on a model, lol!

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Excellent! Good luck - I am sure you will do a great job.

[@Blue_Dingo]

2 things. 1. Best decal scissors I have ever used, RC Car Lexan Body Scissors. I have both straight and curved pairs. Get them at any RC Hobby Store. 2. I set and move my decals with a #11 X-acto blade just another way to do it, but it gives me a lot of control, and easy to get under the decal if you need to. CSO Archer

[@claytonhollowell4488]

Testor's Dullcote, before and after decals. Army Painter speedpaints run, like hell, with decal setting solution, too. So varnish generously before (and after).

[@corrinald2971]

FPG does have two-color options for their numbers, so its possible to get numbers with outlines. They also have additional banks of numbers: 1-33, 34-66, 67-99.

[@HouseMasterPoDing]

Totally agree with you on the quality of Death Ray Designs being top-notch and more durable than FPG. Love this kind of tutorial video, hope to see more! Also, just got to the Capellan Hate. C'mon, Man! :)

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

I just won so much glory for the Chancellor in my last video, I had to even it out a bit 😂

[@matthewbirdsall9518]

Just gotta give them a try!!! Be Brave. Definitely a game changer. Changed my hobby quality and immersion.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

100%! I love decals now and will never go back!!

[@shaneflickinger]

I have a bunch of Fighting Piranha decals and I just used them for the first time about a month ago. I found them to be a lot more fragile than other decals I was used to working with, so I ended up wasting a lot before I learned to manipulate them with a delicate enough touch to not rip them. I like Ben's tip to use a toothpick to move the decal around on the mini...going to try that the next time. Thanks guys.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Thanks for watching!

[@Ratenef]

Just started painting my minis this year, and I love the decals for the faction and unit logos. I also bought some decal paper and printed out the unit name and variant code to put on the base to aid in my poor mech recognition skills.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Very cool!!

[@sgtrock2175]

I always always always apply gloss varnish prior to decals. The gloss fills in all the microscopic bumps that make matte paint matte, so air cannot get trapped under the decal, which is why you get silvering. I use plain old tap water (believe it or not, Baltimore has some of the cleanest tap water in the country so... we have that at least) and the only solvent I use is Vallejo decal softener. That is some strong stuff and I find it superior to any of the others I've tried. Once the decal is dry, matte varnish over it and you're good to go. No decal film visible at all.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Interesting tip with the gloss! Makes total sense!!!

[@brianhenry152]

This is well timed! I need to grab some more decals before my KS stuff arrives! I'll have to see which of these I'll end up getting. The 2-part micro-set and micro-sol I'll also have to check out!

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

I am a man of simple processes that can get good results. Ben does it right though, I think! Thanks for watching Brian!!

[@GunnCloud11]

I ordered custom decals from Defiance Industries for the Merc company I GM. The Fortunate Sons. They're literally spoiled rich kids playing at being MechWarriors. I haven't put them on partially because I had to get better scale mechs (my fault for not reading the 3D print details on Etsy.) and mostly because I have decalphopia... Bad. Aaron, I love your method. Feels like how I'd do it. Wish me luck 🤞

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Good luck! Just keep some water and the microsol/set handy and worst case you can yank the decal off and start over. It’s really not “done” until you varnish over it from my experience.

[@Grithertime]

I am a monster I use tap water. I use Walthers Solvaset, has a built in brush and lasts forever and works for initial placement and for smoothing out. I use a cloth towel to remove my decals and an eye dropper to apply water and keep the chasing decals to a minimum.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Love it! I will check out the Walthers stuff, you tap water monster haha

[@jasonrucker4722]

So a few follow-up questions / statements... 1) What type of toilet paper...LOL! 2) Aaron - caution strips go on the base to indicate the front arc. 3) I like the sponge technique and will incorporate it during my next decal adventure. 4) Caution strips on the cod piece is another option

[@davidkinnison9157]

Repurpose packing sponge yes

[@timwatson9198]

I love fighting pirhana stuff but I don't love waiting 58376728484837 years for them. I wish they would stick a sheet of numbers and/or house insignias in with the forcepacks. Ah well.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

It will the the actual ilClan era before I get my Jade Falcon decals haha

[@JustinPivinski-cm2rh]

Just did my northwind highlanders last weekend

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Getting my Evo wrapped in tartan.

[@JustinPivinski-cm2rh]

Lol

[@HouseDavieMerc]

Great video guys! I use Walthers Solvaset Decal Setting Solution. 904-470 Many years ago Pirannah made me a large number of custom decals based on some drawings I sent them and that's what they recommended. Since then they have became the official decal guys and I don't know if they do custom decals anymore. I didn't get a return Email from them. Now that I'm switching from Unseens to all new plastics I may have to use a different source for new decals. I wonder if Death Ray can copy the samples I have left? Time will tell.I don't caution stripe on Camo units and my mercs are 3 tone camo. I think I'll try some out on Davion Green mechs and some red Kurita mechs.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

No caution on camo makes too much sense 😂 love it. As for DRD - if you can get your old proofs digitized (fiverr?) they can do it!

[@davidkinnison9157]

Ancient gornard knowledge 😂

[@misterbeeps]

ACKSHULLY it's pronounced "dekkel", all one syllable.

[@DeathfromAboveWargaming]

Haha DEEE-COWL