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WATERSLIDE DECAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THICK WHITE DECAL PAPER

Revised 01/04/2006

(click here to download printed .pdf instructions)

Tools Required:

-Sharp Scissors
-Spray Bottle of clean room temperature Water (distilled water is preferred)
-Paper Towel
-Small Soft Brush

Tools Recommend:
-Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating #1303
-Microscale Micro Sol or Walthers Solvaset (can be purchased from many hobby stores or directly from the bedlam creations website.)

Warning!
Waterslide decals are extremely delicate and require care.  If not applied properly the decal may rip or tear during application.  It is suggested that you do testing before you apply your purchased product.  Typically a sample test sheet will be provided with large sheet orders.

Application:
Application surface should be as smooth as possible.  Make sure you have cleaned the application surface, insuring that it is free of any oils and debris.  If you plan to clear coat the decal, first apply a clear coat over the application surface and allow coating to dry.  This will insure that the application surface is smooth and any previous pores are sealed.

Remove decal sheet from packaging gently.  Cut out decal in square/rectangular/circular pattern using a sharp pair of scissors leaving at least ¼-½” between the decal print and cutting edge.  Store the remainder of the decal sheet in supplied packaging. This will prevent oils and moisture from coming in contact with sheet.

Fill a spray bottle with clean room temperature water. Distilled water will work the best.  Place the cut out decal on a damp paper towel and spray decal backing until it is completely soaked. Flip decal so that the print side is facing up and spray lightly with water.  The decal film will start to separate from the backing.  This could take between 15-60 seconds.  Once the decal has started to separate you may proceed to next step.

Carefully place decal and backing on application surface where you want the decal to be placed.  You may moisten the application surface with water first to assist you in decal placement after application.  Carefully slide the backing paper out from underneath the decal film leaving the film on the application surface.  You may use a small soft brush or your fingers to assist you in holding the film in place.   Smooth out decal using a damp paper towel or soft brush.  Using a paper towel or soft brush, carefully dab away excess water.

If you have an extremely irregular surface or you are seeing wrinkles or air bubbles under your decal you may use Microscale Micro Sol or Wathers Solvaset.  These are more aggressive setting solutions which will cause the decal to conform and bond to the application surface.  Apply a very thin coat on the decal using a soft brush.  Do not apply a second coat, re-brush or touch an area of the decal where you have applied the solution.  The decal will soften and start to conform; if you attempt to adjust or touch the decal during this process you will destroy the decal.  Allow decal to dry.

Before any type of clear coating you must make sure that the decal is 100% dry both on top and underneath.  It is recommended that you wait 24 hours for any remaining moisture to evaporate.  You may speed up this process by using a hair dryer, do not use a heat gun.  If there is any moisture present when you apply your clear coat you risk damaging the decal.

Clear Coating:
To protect decals, spray over decal and model with a acrylic clear coating spray.  We suggest Krylon Crystal Clear Acrylic Coating #1303, we can not guarantee the performance of any other clear coat.  You must first apply 2-3 very thin mist coats over the decal; allowing it to dry each time.  After you have sealed the decal with thin coats you may apply a heavy coat.

If you are using enamel clear coat, automotive clear coat, acrylic clear coat, urethane or lacquer you must first use a thinned out coat.  If you don’t thin out the first coat it will dissolve the decal.  Once the first coat has dried you may then apply a standard coat.  Please make sure to request a test decal sheet and apply and test on scrap surfaces.

Final Note:

The application of waterslide decals requires a degree of dexterity, and concentration.  If this is your first time applying waterslide decals, please try some samples first.  We cannot be responsible for replacing decals that have been damaged during application.

 

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