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(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:
-One of the following clear coats sprays; Testors Gloss Cote #1261
or Dutch Boy Gloss Spray Lacquer #S7019 or Ace Instant Drying
Lacquer #17027 (can be purchased at many stores.)
-Microscale Liquid Decal Film (can be purchased from many hobby
stores or directly from the bedlam creations website.)
-Microscale Micro Set (can be purchased from many hobby stores or
directly from the bedlam creations website.)
-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.
If you would like to thicken the decal film you may use Microscale
Liquid Decal Film to do so. You can apply using a soft brush; let
dry for 20 minutes. It is also beneficial to apply liquid decal
film if you decals have been sitting for more than 6 months after
receiving. Liquid decal film will also protect the printed ink from
scratches and some chemical reactions from clear coats.
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.
If you are applying your decal to an irregular surface and want to
make the decal conform and adhere better; lightly brush on a coat of
Microscale Micro Set to the application surface before applying the
decal. This will soften the decal and make it more flexible when
applying, eliminating air bubbles and giving you that painted on
look. Do not allow solution to dry before applying decal.
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 5-15 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 lacquer clear
coating spray. We suggest one of the previously mentioned sprays.
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. |
