What is the best way to apply decals?, having nearly finished my challenger 1 mk3 in gulf colors am i better off painting the large inverted "V" marlings onto the side armour or using the decals supplied by Tamiya. I presume that the markings were put on the real thing using a stencil then sprayed on (of course they could have been put on using good old british issue black duck tape). How do you guys get them to go on without showing that awful clear backing showing? I have looked around the Net but can't really find any good reference photos, anyone know where there are any of British Gulf war AFV's and Tanks?
Hope someone can help me, i am starting to lose sleep over it lol, don't want to screw it up

Cheers Joina.. #:-)

I just made a challanger mk3 myself, and i used the "V" decal supplied by Tamiya. I applied decal solution, mattcote it, applied pastel dust over it, re-mattcote it, and i think the result was excellent. When my cousin saw it he first thought the "V" marking was painted by hand.

Cheers only just started modeling stupid question byt what is mattcote???? is that like a clear matt laquer??? sorry for the dumb questions, do you know of anywhere i can get ref pics from

Yes, although clear coats come in various sheens (degrees of shine). There is high gloss for car builders, there is gloss, semi-gloss, satin, and flat or matte. Decals stick best to gloss coats, but military vehicles are normally matte. Once you paint the kit in flat colors, gloss coat it, affix decals and then use a matte coat to seal them down and take away the shine.

BTW, you may want to change your signature quote. We have 11 yr old children frequenting the board.

thanks for the advice, will be off down the shops soon as i have no matt cote. have changed my comment, sorry about that! When i have finished my kit i am gonna try and post some pics so that i can get some constructive comments on it, just some detatailing and decals to do.
Thanks again
Joina