How to apply decals to a plastic model kit

Video showing steps to apply decals to a plastic model kit.
The model is prepared by spraying a high gloss clear coat and allowing to dry. I then use water to separate the decals from the paper and then use Micro-Set and Micro-Sol for adhesion and softening. Roll out the excess liquid from under the decal and once dry, seal with clear coat again.
Do this before panel line wash. Seal the panel line wash with clear coat again.
All model kits have been purchased unless otherwise noted.

[@MCMilitaryForce]

great video, straight to the point

[@railmastergaming]

beautiful and very helpful! now i got decals on my AMT White freightliner Cabover. this was my first time ever applying decals.

[@CurryForTheJohn]

Thank you for this i finished my 747-8 model with this :)

[@maxbrandt6]

A word of warning if you get ahold of any old ESCI (pronounced: es-shi) those decals don't really stand the test of time and will break up as soon as they are moistened, coat the decals you wish to use with Decal Saver from the Micro-Set company and cut them out as close to the image as possible and proceed as normal with decal application. Happy modeling!!

[@moazamkhan]

Thanks

[@DJPenguinz]

very helpful im building my first model so yeah

[@MDScaleModels]

Good luck. Enjoy the buikd

[@blue-medusa]

This is a helpful tutorial, thank you! I’m currently looking into ways to securely attach sticky decals to my plastic piano-keyboard keys. Do you think the microset & microsol would work for that type of plastic? It’s just to prevent the edges peeling back and I don’t want to damage the keys too much.

[@MDScaleModels]

@@blue-medusa if they are stickers, this won’t help. This is only for water-slide decals.

[@blue-medusa]

@@MDScaleModelsAh ok, thanks!

[@mikesonsmann5594]

Thanks for this

[@AshVol2316]

I'm doing the aircraft carrier Saratoga, should I leave the planes on the sprue to apply decals. Or should I cut them loose to apply? They are quite small. I haven't done a model in 50+yrs. So any information is greatly appreciated.

[@MDScaleModels]

I would probably paint and decal them before removing from the sprue as they are small.

[@markriley4563]

Would you still use micro set and micro sol if you haven't painted your model?

[@MDScaleModels]

Yes. It is to help the decal stick better to the model. I cover my decals after with clear coat

[@markriley4563]

Thank you my model is white and meant to be white would you paint a white paint on it or leave it? Your video has help me alot thank you

[@MDScaleModels]

@@markriley4563 I would paint it white and then put the decals on and then clear coat

[@markriley4563]

Hello again in my model you have to put decal on decal how would you go in doing this Thank you

[@eatham8317]

@@MDScaleModelsis it possible to only use water I don’t have decal solutions

[@potatolol4579]

Might be a stretch, but would decal fix work on model kit stickers?

[@MDScaleModels]

What kind of stickers? Are the stickers falling apart? I’ve seen people use decal fix on old decals but not stickers.

[@spik465]

Decal solution alternative??

[@MDScaleModels]

Many people just use water but it doesn’t soften the decal as much.

[@spik465]

@@MDScaleModels then what else should I use for decals

[@charolinexessa]

after i put the decal on plastic model, i just have to wait until its dry? if its already dry, will it be okay if i touch it?

[@MDScaleModels]

Yes you wait till it’s dry and then it’s ok to touch it. I do recommend putting a clear coat on to seal the decals. Make sure you choose your finish like gloss, sayin or matte so you get the final look you want.

[@charolinexessa]

all right thank you so much. your video really helped me

[@Chadfam_models]

I leart something new today

[@Gizmodripdrip]

DECK-al, not de-cal.

[@MDScaleModels]

Lol. Which side of the pond are you from?