Heya, Folks,

I've got some black U.S. star decals from the M151A2 jeep kit that I want to use.

The decals are in great shape and I've got a gloss coat down on the model, but the decals themselves seem pretty thick...

I'm thinking of putting them down over some Micro Set (and maybe follow up with some Micro Sol) and will then follow with Testors acryllic flat coat. I'm curious if the thick decal film will "disappear" under the final flat coat.

Anybody have any experience with thicker "old school" decals like this?

Thanks in advance!!

With Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.

Back in the good old days, all kit decals were on the thick side, so we learned to deal with that issue to get satisfactory results.

Assuming that the decals haven't yellowed, here's the procedures that should do the trick for you.

A solid, smooth gloss coat. I've been using Pledge (future) air brushed on, but for tough decaling jobs, I still prefer Testors Glosscoat, which is lacquer based.

Cut out the decal and soak it upside down in room temp water.

Prepare the area to be decaled with Micro Set (Blue Label), and slide the decal on to the model. position the decal, then lightly roll the decal in place with a Q tip to remove as much air as possible.

Apply a coat of Micro Sol, and leave it to do it's job of softening the decal so it can settle down. You can wick up any excess, but don't touch the decal.

Once dry, check for air bubbles. Prick with a needle so that you can work the air out with a 2nd coat of Sol. Done right, all the wrinkles should pop out when the decal is dry.

If you're still experiencing issues with the decal not settling down, then a stronger Setting solution like Solvoset can be used.

Once you're satisfied with the decaling, apply a few heavy coats of Glosscoat tp build up the gloss to cover the decal clear film. At this point the decal should look like it was painted on.

Hope this helps.

Joel

hey there..

I use Solveset, snugs down everything, but is some pretty strong stuff so you have to use it in several applications, lightly. It pretty much melts the decals onto the model so after application, you don't want to touch the decals at all, or you get it pretty much smugged.

best used over a coat of future or other clear coat, as otherwise it might affect your paint.

here is an example with tamiya decals. the large star with the blue background is snugged over all the details.



and here is one from another tamiya kit, these roundels were very thick and I used several applications



Delbert

For the old thick Tamiya decal I use the Walther's Solvaset, it is pretty potent, and it will get them down.

Havoc's original question wasn't how to apply thick decals to get them to snuggle down, but how to conceal their thickness so that they have that painted on look. That's why I suggested several some what heavy coats of Testor Dullcoat.

Joel

They dont have to be that old to be thick ... Dragons Panther A late (6168) had the thickest decals Ive ever seen. Ive also used many old eastern European decals throughout the years, but no matter what .... future coat, micro sol, micro set, and future has worked for them all. Ive been very happy with this, and refuse to change or look for anything else. Why bother when Ive gotten 100% every time.

Thanks for the help, guys!

MUCH appreciated!!

Regards and Aloha,

Johnny B.