| The technique you use to apply decals onto armor | | | | against the model. |
| model is essential. If you did not do a good job, flaws | | | | 5. Use a wet cotton swab to press against the decal |
| will appear after the "weathering" process. Decals tend | | | | to keep it still and slowly slide the paper backing away. |
| to adhere better on glossy surfaces as compare to | | | | Always remember to slide the backing away instead |
| flat surfaces. If you happen to apply decals directly to | | | | of the decal itself. This is to prevent the decal from |
| a flat painted model, tiny white air bubbles will appear | | | | ripping or folding over on itself. Use a pair of tweezers |
| under the clear decal film when it dries. To solve this | | | | to hold the paper backing for small decal. |
| problem, apply a patch of clear gloss varnish over the | | | | 6. Use your fingertips to dab the decal with water and |
| area before applying the decal. Another method is to | | | | gently adjust it on the model to achieve the exact |
| paint the entire model with gloss paint followed by a | | | | location you desire. |
| final coat of matte varnish after all the decals have | | | | 7. Once you have finished aligned the decal, gently |
| been applied. | | | | purge out any air bubbles trapped between the decal |
| Here is a brief guide to apply decals onto armor | | | | and the model using your fingertips. A good approach |
| models: | | | | is to start from the center of the decal and press |
| 1. The first step is to trim away excess clear film from | | | | outward. |
| the edges of the decal. This is to avoid the excess film | | | | 8. Remove excess water around the edges of the |
| from reappearing after weathering. | | | | decal by using a dry cotton swab. Leave the decal to |
| 2. Immerse the decal in a bowl of clean water for | | | | dry within 10 to 15 minutes and refrain from touching it. |
| around 30 to 60 seconds. The decal film will then begin | | | | Expert model builders like to use a decal setting |
| to slowly detach from the paper backing. | | | | solution when applying decals. Its function is to soften |
| 3. Next, transfer the decal out of the clean water and | | | | the decal film that will stretch and shrink onto the |
| leave it on a paper towel for a minute or so. This step | | | | surface of the model once it dry. A very useful |
| is to remove excess water from the decal and allows | | | | application, especially when the decals must be |
| the film adhesive to soften. | | | | positioned over hinges for other raised detail. |
| 4. Pick up the decal by the backing sheet and place it | | | | |