Alecras' Workbench

[alecras234]

so what you're saying is to wet the deal and lay it on the table, then use tweezers to pick up the decal off the backing paper and put on model? sorry im not with you, do you have a diagram please?

[iggie]

so what you're saying is to wet the deal and lay it on the table, then use tweezers to pick up the decal off the backing paper and put on model? sorry im not with you, do you have a diagram please?

Cut out the individual decal you want to apply, and soak in warm water as usual.
Place the wetted decal and backing paper flat on your table, decal upper-most.
Use a finger to slide the decal to the edge of the wetted paper.
Use needle pointed tweezers to then pick up the decal ONLY, leaving the backing paper on the table.
Holding the decal in the tweezers, apply to model

[alecras234]

wouldn't the tweezers tear the decal?

[iggie]

wouldn't the tweezers tear the decal?

No, as long as it is ready to come away from the backing paper then it'll be fine; that's part of the reason for sliding the decal to the edge of the paper, if it won't slide, it ain't ready!

Use some spare decals to try it; that way you won't muck up any you need for your model

[alecras234]

ok thanks i'll try that. i have a bottle of humbrol decalfix, would you recommend using this instead of water or shall i use both?

[iggie]

ok thanks i'll try that. i have a bottle of humbrol decalfix, would you recommend using this instead of water or shall i use both?

I wouldn't use decal fix to soak decals in, just plain warm water. Put a small drop of decalfix on the model before you place the decal and it'll help it to settle down into any panel lines

[Ratch]

Don't used tweezers, you'll rip the decal. Use a wet brush to transfer the decal from the backing sheet to the model.

[iggie]

I use tweezers all the time for decalling and never rip the decals; for applying them one handed as Alec requires, the paintbrush idea would not be ideal, as it needs both hands......

As with all things modelling, each to their own, and advice is given by all with the intention of helping; trial and error is essential!

[Ratch]

Cut the decal out.
Dip it in water.
Put it on cutting mat and allow water to soak until the decal loosens.
Use brush to lift decal from backing sheet and transfer it to the model.

You can do this one-handed.... I do all the time

[alecras234]

i have put decals on but the roundals have like round patches around the roundals. humbrol i used decalfix to seal the decals.

[alecras234]

I use Acrylic paints, i brush paint, what can i use as a water holder to wash my brushes between coats of paint? I did use a tumblar that i used after brushing my teeth with, but the paint has dried and the tumblar needs binning.

[iggie]

I use anything that will hold sufficient water that I don't need for anything else, for as you have discovered, even if the water doesn't dry out totally, the pigments in the paint will stick to anything, even glass
Aerosol can tops, Chinese takeaway containers, plastic drinking cups (the sort you get from water coolers).....anything really!

[alecras234]

i am building anoth spitfire mk 1a but im having problems putting the cockpiit together the way the instructions tell me. Should i follow the illustrations or try fitting a different way, a way that's easier for me?

[nashorn]

Try any way that is easy and comfortable for you, after all most of the cockpit won;t be seen when it;s finished.
Good luck.

[ShaunW]

Rightly or wrongly I often view instructions as being a guide as to how to assemble a model rather than as being set in stone If you can see a way that is different to that set out by the kit manufacturer but seems to make more sense to you then go for it. If you do deviate from the instructions, just be careful not to miss out any of the parts.