discussion decal fix question

[Guest]

Hi all.

I want to put the decals on my PBY cat,but the ones that go on the fuselarge front sides must conform to a multiple curve surface and then they start to wrincle.

I know decal fix softens the decals to conform.I dont have any.

I have read somewhere that white vinigar can also do the same, is this true and what ratio to water mix to put decals in.Also how long must the decals lie in this mix????

Any advice PLEASE

Theuns

 

[Guest]

Personally, I only use a proper decal setting solution & solvent. Reason being, if you mess up the decals on something like an aircraft kit, that decal is gone forever. It's not so bad with AFV's as most of us have spares knocking around. Patrick

 

[Guest]

Personally, I only use a proper decal setting solution & solvent. Reason being, if you mess up the decals on something like an aircraft kit, that decal is gone forever. It's not so bad with AFV's as most of us have spares knocking around. Patrick

 

[Guest]

Thanx for reply

 

[Guest]

Just tried the vinigar trick on some old decals, and it seems to not have any effect on the "strechability" . Did not damage them in any visable way either.So it seems to be an old modlers tale ;-)

I have found (only now!) that using warm water also helps decals fit better, or am I blufing myself?

Theuns

 

[Guest]

Hello Theuns,

If you mean, Vinyl Decals. Use a Hair dryer to make the vinyl more flexible.

If you would like some old Vinyl Decals to practice with let me know, I have some old 'Seconds' you can have.

 

[stona]

Different decals react differently to setting solutions. What will cause one decal to disintegrate will not affect another at all! White vinegar does act like microset (or similar) setting solution on most decals.A quick whiff of the bottle will leave you in no doubt what the principle component is. The second stage that really softens and "melts" the decal so that it conforms to detail, like microsol, is a different concoction. I've never made my own but I understand it to be essentially a dilution of isopropyl alcohol.

Heat will work on waterslide decals as well. You can try pressing them down with a sponge soaked in hot water, a cotton bud for the little'uns. Some people reckon a hair dryer works too. I'd say be careful and experiment on "spares" that you don't need from the same sheet.

Cheers

Steve

 

[Guest]

Thanx of the replies.

I have stacks of old decals ans tried the vinigar trick on them first.It seemed to do nothing to it to makeit more flexabe, mayby it was to waek a mix or I didn't leave it in long enough.

I will for my next project get the right model stuff from the local shop.

The PBY cat is almost done and just need to ad a few little details like airiels ect.

Will post a pic soon.

Theuns

 

[stona]

Hi again Theuns. Use white vinegar undiluted as a setting solution.

Steve.

 

[Guest]

Aha, UNDILUDED, I will try that thanx