Hi Armorama;

I just got the above mentioned figure set and have some questions from those who may have built them. More specifically, those who used the included flecktarn decal.

I've finished up one of the figures so far (the only one close to looking correctly proportioned, I'd add) with a flat black primer. I'm wondering what other primers, if any, other have used and the results obtained. My concern is that the dark primer will show through the lighter parts of the decal.

Also, I'm using Microscale 'Micro Set' decal solution. Will that be 'hot' enough to set the decals down around details? I've read that slicing along the edges of details such as pockets will also help with that.

Once I've tried them out on the first figure I'll try to get some photos up. I'll probably use different primers on all the other figures as well to see what works best. In the meantime, I look forward to some insightful input!

Thanks in advance.

Hi Simon,

Can't speak for that kit,but I've attempted using Trumpeter camo decals before with terrible luck.I used Mr.Mark setting and softnerand the decals just fell apart,ended up painting the uniforms.The digital camo decals come with the Academy Drone kit and I thought OK I'll give it one more try.Same procedure,first coated the figure with Future,applied setting solution and decals in fairly small pieces.Last,the softner, rolled a Q-tip over it all to get the moisture out.Wasn't expecting good results,but they went on perfectly.Just a guess,but I would say it was probably the quality of the decal.

Tom

Thanks Tom, thats been my experience to date as well. The decals simply crumble into tiny bits no matter what I've tried. I'm doing another attempt tonight, will update again later. But for now it looks like it doesn't matter what primer you use since the decals don't work anyway!

You may want to attempt applying a clear coat over them, before transfer. After it has dried, trace the outlines with a sharp blade. Apply. I have never attempted this, before. But, the logic is sound.

Hey Matt;

Thats actually close to what I'm about to try. I have a strip of the decal with a coat of Future drying right now. I don't know if my hands will be steady enough to cut around the camo pattern, but I will try that too!

Thanks for the vote of confidence.

Something I bought, just for this occasion, is a swivel knife. It cost about $10. The "swivel" operation means that, no matter what direction you pull, the blade turns to keep the sharp edge trailing the motion.

Hey Simon,

Here's a few pics of the Academy decals.A little hard to see in the photos,but like I said,went on without a problem.

Tom