Scale Model Basics: How to apply decals the right way to a scale model

[@travisehlers2884]

Great tips, thank you.

[@notthatdonald1385]

Hint: don't use dollar store Q tips. Buy the real thing.

[@reconranger1370]

Excellent Tip!

[@boatingexplainedwithcapndr8359]

Good q-tip tip. 😂

[@91lifetime23]

Can the micro sol touch the paint of a die-cast model car ?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

The best way to be sure is to test a small amount of Micro Sol in an inconspicuous spot on the model and see how it reacts to the paint. Because Micro Sol is a mild paint stripper, you want to be careful and try to keep the solution on the decal as much as possible. A little around the edges of the marking shouldn't be a problem. However, if you end up with a run, it could mar the paint.

[@tippo5341]

G'day Aaron...two quick questions...do I note the hint of an Aussie, if not Canadian accent?? Just at times it's more noticeable. Secondly, and more subject oriented...have you gloss coated the Vamp first?? and do you subscribe to the process?? I'm in the process of doing several 1/350 ships...and as such they're not exactly small...and just wondering if the overall process is beneficial on models of this scale?? Thoroughly enjoy all the hints and tips videos...as I've been out of modelling mode for many years, it certainly helps immensely. Cheers from Sydney Aus!!!!

[@crighini576]

bit of an Ozzie accent there sometimes 😁

[@paulalderson6920]

Does the whole model need a gloss coat as a base for the decal application?

[@jravelo2]

I still run a sharp blade along where the now-dry decal goes over a panel line so that the gap is properly seen

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

That is a good policy. In this case, Aaron didn't need to. Thanks for watching!

[@stevewiggins1971]

Do you apply clear coat before or after decals? Or both?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Steve, we advise putting clear gloss down before you decal and afterward to seal and protect them from washes to come.

[@justme.9711]

Can't you just use water? We used to just wet them and then apply them when I was a kid and I don't remember any problems. Am I forgetting something?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You use water to release them from the backing paper. But applying them is more than just dunking them and sliding them onto bare plastic.

[@justme.9711]

@@FineScaleModelermagazine I have a revell kit of a LS8 glider. The wings ae two piece, top and bottom. There is a slight bend in the wing along the length, do you have any advice on how I might be able to get them/it flat and level?

[@stevepritchard3970]

Helpful video, thanks for posting. You are right about the Microsol and Set being easy to spill - I pour a little into the lid and work from that. I also put the open bottles out of reach in a Tamiya aerosol can cap, cos I can still knock them over even when they are out of reach!

[@patrickcamp8076]

That is a good idea. Also, I have a spool of wide Tamiya tape that I use for masking - I found the Micro Set/Sol bottles fit snugly into it and helps prevent spills. You can also Blu-Tack the bottle to a base.

[@robertjensen1438]

Just a comment for the algorithm

[@boatingexplainedwithcapndr8359]

Not only is it a very helpful video, but I could look at the Enterprise and Space 1999 Eagle models behind him all day!

[@scalemodelpursuit]

So true about the temptation to fiddle with the decal after micro sol. Still have to tell myself not to mess with it and let the solution work for me. I also noticed that for tiny decals if the cotton swab is moistened, it will not wick up the water and move the decal on me.

[@limcw6092]

I love these guides by this channel because they don’t use some strange techniques and use the basic products which most people have.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words!

[@victorbloom8286]

Can You not Thin Solvaset now ? I remember it was able to be Thinned .

[@Captain-Nostromo]

Applying decals are the most fun part in the building process 😀

[@leethal6570]

I’m sure this is a great tutorial but I am a first timer and hell nervous to do this. I have literally just let my model sit there now because I don’t want to muck this decal thing up 😂

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You totally got this. Don't be nervous. There's no learning unless you give it a try, and don't hold yourself to an expectation. Just take your time, breathe, and trust the process.

[@nidge2822]

Cheers for this ,i tried my 1st decals today one stuck yo my fingers and i ripped the other lol, do the decals need a gloss finish 1st or can you place them on primer? Also can you use cold water instead of warm ? Hope you can help me 😊

[@thegoodearth7]

Do you have to use micro set and then micro sol, or can you just jump straight to the latter? Great video! Thank you.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You can, but they're meant to be used in conjunction with each other. If you're looking for a single step solution, you can always try Tamiya Mark Fit (strong or super strong).

[@aaawwweeee]

Awesome helpful techniques ! now i can apply my decals better. thanks.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

We're happy to help!

[@deelee9712]

Thanks so much for these awesome videos! Can you please do one on how to cut and prepare resin parts? Thank you 😀

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

It's on the list!

[@deelee9712]

@@FineScaleModelermagazine Thank you! You folks are awesome! :)

[@patrickcamp8076]

Thank you, Aaron. I find the Micro Set tends to pool, rather than spread evenly over the glossed surface. I wonder if adding a little acrylic flow improver may help? I must try an experiment.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

We'd be afraid it would affect the Micro Sol and prevent it from working. But let us know what happens. You can send your findings to [e-mail].

[@alschwarz5658]

I notice you use different brushes for "set" & "sol"...is it recommended to do that?? Also, do you clean the brushes dedicated to Microset/sol afterwards? Like turpentine/thinner/water??

[@spik465]

I am doing my 1st model it is corvette c6 the problem is when start to apply decals on my car the decals breaks easily anybody have solution for that ?

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

We've all been here, and, in fact, are currently dealing with truculent decals in the office on a couple of projects. Unfortunately, you're experiencing this with your first model, and we want you to succeed. Please email photos of what you're encountering and a description of the process you're following to [e-mail] and we'll see what we can do to help guide you through your challenges.

[@spik465]

@@FineScaleModelermagazine can u give e-mail I am unable to use that website 😅

[@emiliocabrera1964]

What kits do you use? I’ve been using revell because it’s cheaper but they always have gaps in the airframes

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

The editors and staff at FineScale Modeler have many different interests, so we don't stick with a single brand.

[@hammyhamster01]

I made the mistake of bumping and spilling half a bottle of micro set on a decal sheet, I had to buy a whole new kit to get another sheet and I was entering the model into a show the next day, it won first place in its category, it was in the junior category because I'm below 18...

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Oh my! Congrats on the win, though!

[@jasonmiglia2836]

Thanks

[@SubjectDelta9]

Thank you so much! I found your technique so much better and less intimidating. With Gratitude and Appreciation for the work you do🙏

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

We're glad you found this video helpful! Hopefully, you can use this technique on future projects!

[@lucadimarco1388]

Thank u so much for such an information video on decals

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You're welcome. And thanks for watching!

[@michaelcooke2559]

Nice tutorial. It is difficult sometimes to just leave decals alone. Thanks for sharing.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Thanks for watching!

[@dennisgraham3087]

What about spraying clear coat. Before or after. The decals

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Spray gloss clear before the decals and allow it to dry. This will give you a smooth surface to place the markings on. Once the decals are down and dry, spray clear on top to seal and protect them.

[@dennisgraham3087]

@@FineScaleModelermagazine ok. Thanks. I appreciate your help / advice.

[@parrettfamily4041]

Thank you so much. We are new to models and this should really help us.

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

You're very welcome!

[@DTczsk1999]

I am glad to learned that. Thank you. 👍

[@FineScaleModelermagazine]

Derrick, you're welcome!