Tamiya decal quality and aftermarket options?

[Guest]

Hi all,

I've been applying some Tamiya decals to the Spitfire build this evening and got to say from my limited experience of modelling I wasn't that impressed with the quality!

They seemed really fragile, didn't like sticking to the surface too well, and when attempting to place around a curved edge they started to split.

The model surface has had a good covering of Finish before applying the decals, I soaked the decals in warm water for a good few minutes, used brushes and cotton buds to apply and dab dry, and I also used Microset/Sol to finish with.

Has anyone else been dissapointed with the quality or am I doing something wrong?

Can anyone recommend a good quality aftermarket option for decals?

Thanks, Colin.

[Guest]

Think if you gave the details how you went about applying the decals Colin it would allow perhaps a better idea of how to advise.

Laurie

[stona]

Decals do vary. I've had decals from a Hasegawa kit disintegrate under Microsol,Techmod decals fall apart when applied and others,including Tamiya,go on like slabs of sticky backed plastic.

There are several decal manufacturers doing aftermarket sets. I've used a few by Eaglecals,Techmod,Xtradecal and maybe some others. The consistently best decals I've used are those printed by Cartograph who produce for several brands.

Just a quick thought on method. Dunk the decal in warm water for only about 20-30 seconds and then lift it out and put it on a smooth surface (I use an old tile) face up,until the decal is ready to slide. This will avoid washing the adhesive side clean. You can apply on Microset but let the decal dry before applying Microsol.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Nice idea Steve that falls in with my own peculiar way of applying decals. I shall add that to my weird sequence. Up to now I have been pulling the things in & out of water until they just slip.

Laurie

[Guest]

That's an interesting point Steve about just soaking for 30 seconds and leaving on a tile, I'll try that.

What I was actually doing was soaking in warm water for a few minutes in the hope that the decal would soften. Maybe it was removing the adhesive after being soaked too long.

Laurie, the process I was using was firstly a good covering of Finish to smooth the surface, dip the decal in warm water for a couple of minutes, remove decal complete with backing paper, slide decal gently off into position, use a fine brush and ear bud to position and dry, use a little Micro Set if on an awkward bend so as to soften slightly, finish with MicroSol if needed and left overnight.

After using Revell decals in a previous kit, which I believe where cartograph items, the Tamiya decals appear and feel quite thick and brittle.

Once given a couple of coats of matt varnish would they be less obvious?

[Guest]

Developed my own way to avoid any damage, or at least minimal. Lay the whole decal including backing on the model in the position to be applied slightly to one side. Draw the decal edge a fraction into position from the backing. Hold decal end with an ear bud. Then slide slowly the backing keeping it touching & flat on the model all the time. Found it works a treat. If the decal it is not straight slightly manipulate with the backing not the decal.

Now off to the dump to get rid of last years rubbish.

Laurie

[stona]

I do much the same where I can Laurie. I find cocktail sticks very good for holding and manouevering decals.

Colin,before applying any varnishes it might be worth giving those Tamiya decals a few more applications of Microsol. I've applied five or six coats to some decals over a day or so. It doesn't always work,some seem impervious,but there's no harm in trying.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Thanks Steve, I'm on my 3rd round of MicroSol now

These Tamiya decals do seem a bit heavy duty, especially as the rounders also have the white background to go on first.

Thanks for the advice, I might try a different brand of decals next time.

[Guest]

I just dunk Decal in and out of water then place on towel or kitchen roll prepare the serface to be applied nice and clean of dust with plenty of water to take the decal, Apply the decal when ready keep damp with large brush place decal in position using brush to nudge into position follded kitchen towl to press dry and exell all the water and air from under decal, then when happy apply the sol leave to dry, it does go all wrinkly on app of sol DON'T WIPE IT IT'LL DRY LOVRLY in all th knooks and cranny's Hope this helps.

Martin

[flyjoe180]

I've had some real old decals from old Airfix kits which have been rather fragile. Same methods as used above, except I use Humbrol's Decalfix. It works well, never had any problems with it and the decals settle into the large panelling and rivet rashes for which older kits are known.