As the last phase of putting life into your Piece starts, it is the right time to settle the décor on your Piece such as the decals. It is the final phase where life is breathed into your model by adding all the possible minute detailing such as badges and signs, which are capable of making your model shine. Whether it is adhering military plaques or from the combat scene, this article is going to be your ultimate guide on how to apply decals professionally on your Model.

1. Before Applying Decal

A decal is simply defined as a design image, and insignias that can easily be transferred and printed onto the covering of the model, however in order for this to be possible proper preparation goes into the process. Moreover one of the most common issues while applying for a decal is silvering.

For the best possible outcome of Results, start off by ensuring that the target area where you wish to apply the decal is applied on such exposed skin which is clean and free from debris particles and dirt. The ultimate shine and gloss results when dust is wiped off from the surface using a microfiber cloth.

2. Applying Water-Slide Decals

The majority of model kits feature water-slide decals, decals with a special adhesive backing holding them in place that will activate as the user soaks them in water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Water-Slide Decals:

  1. Cut Out The Decal: It is easy to cut using scissors or a hobby knife around every decal but make sure to not wreck any part of the design while doing this as there is no need to go too far into the margins.
  2. Soak In Water: Dip the decal in warm water for approximately ten to twenty seconds or until it begins to slide off the backing paper in a smooth manner.
  3. Position The Decal: If you need to position the decal around the model, use tweezers or a soft brush. Do not use an oil based object like fingers as they might leave a stain or damage the decal.
  4. Remove Excess Water and Air Bubbles: Now that the decal has been placed, take a clean cotton ball or any soft cloth and use it to slightly pick up the decal from the edges so to remove air bubbles or water trapped inside the decal.
  5. Use Decal Setting Solution: Micro Set and Micro Sol are the most common setting solutions. Using these will help the decal stick because the setting solutions massage the decal into the panels, lines or even into rivets. This helps the decal get comfortable into uneven corners or even into rounded areas.
  6. Let It Dry: Allow the model to sit for a few hours until the decals have adequately cured before any further manipulation of the model occurs-handling the model too soon may affect the placement of the applied decal/s and ruin the accuracy of the model as a whole.

Points to Considering:

  • Never be in a hurry, If during application the decal seems to be in the wrong position of the model simply wait a minute for the decal to move into a more flattering angle as the decals are water activated slip and reposition themselves fluently till they are dry.
  • To apply such decals, it might also be helpful to use either tweezers or a soft brush to mitigate the need for bare fingers to touch the decals, as this can easily mess up the decal when applying and so on.
  • It is important to note that some decals might settle nicely onto a surface and look very nice after a healthy dose of patience. More so, other decals might struggle and so not be ideal to use at times- but these are rare events.

3. How to Seal Decals

Further, best first applying a gloss clear coat on the model because it smooths out the surface and protects the applied decals securing them at first.

For other options, in later stages after going through a weathering effect one can also use either a matte or satin clear coat if you wish to have either a battle worn faded look to the model or turn it into a sleek design that doesn’t look as dull.

Once all the decals are applied and have dried, it’s important to seal them with a clear coat. This protects the decals from damage and prepares the model for any additional weathering or finishing effects.

Tips for Sealing:

  • An even thinner layer is more ideal because it does not obscure details and only enhances them.
  • After completing the above processes it is important to let the clear coat completely dry in order to be able to further work on the model without risking the setting of the earlier steps.

4. Application of Weathering Effects

Weathering effects add realism to the model depicting signs of use, dirt, rust, and other effects due to the environment. Once the decals have been sealed, these effects may be added to the model to give it a more realistic, worn look.

Popular Weathering Techniques:

  • Washes: Wash is diluted paint which runs down to achieve a 3d effect on panel lines, rivets, and other protrusions in the surface geometry. Whenever you’re working with washes, you want to do so with care to avoid overpowering the shadows or obliterating finer details.
  • Dry Brushing: The technique involves scuffing edges using paint to make the edges stand out. This technique is quite useful in achieving a rough metallic texture on aircraft or tank models where the edges appear somewhat worn.
  • Chipping: This is done by dragging the brush or a non dominant hand over areas where paint chipping would occur which include the panels, edges and places around the hatches or door. Use the rest of the hand to apply tiny dabs of rust colored or silver paint on these panel areas.
  • Dust and Dirt Effects: Vehicle models that have been weathered can have pigments or pastels brushed on which makes them coated in dirt, sand or various other substances that best fit the models. Such powders work best on models like tanks or ships which have been worked on rough environments.
Weathering of a scale model
Weathering of a scale model

Tips for Weathering:

  • You can get more realistic results by using reference images of real warfare trucks and planes to assist you with your weathering efforts.
  • Always make sure to add efforts rather than remove them, it is always easier to add weathering than to remove it.

5. Last Touches And Final Inspection of the Model.

The last thing for you to do is to give your model a meticulous inspection so that you can add any last touch or make adjustments where necessary.

Final Checklist:

  • Decals Check: Check where detailing needs to be done, where paint touch ups with additional decals and weathering might have been missed.
  • Check for the Clarity of Decals: If need be place another thin coat of clear over seal so as to cover the decals up.
  • Look out for the marks left due to the glue and/or any imperfections which might have occurred during assembly: Small glue marks or other imperfections that occurred at the time during assembly need to be painted over or sanded off.

Applying Finishing Touches to the Model:

  • Add the small parts which were left of such as antennas, weapons, or accessories for that finishing touch.
  • Lastly, If you want to, you could attach a diorama base or any other realistic setting for your model.

Conclusion: Bringing Your Model to Life

Construction of Decals and finishing details is the best part that converts your model from a mere constructed shell into a scale and realistic version of its full form. By properly sliding the water decals on it, making it slightly dirty to look more realistic, and putting a coat of clear varnish over it, your model will be complete and appear to be in a dress suitable for display. These final steps can be important whether you are making a new looking aircraft or a rusty tank, they can be extremely essential in making the aircraft or the tank look high quality.

The patience and the leisurely execution of these touches on the final model will enable you make a lifelike masterpiece.