Applying Decals To Models - Pro Tips To Make Your Decals Look "Painted On" 

Much needed video, especially as learning curve on reentry has been slow and decals have increased in small print volumes. The sequence of Sol and Set very valuable. I used these 30 years ago, recently was reviewing my stash and the decals were still pristine on the models. I'm getting up to speed on washes, trying to settle into a standard set of paints, which has been difficult because of the huge variety of manufacturers. The old days, my go to were Humbrol and Model Masters. Cheers till the next one

Hey Jon! Another great video! Your techniques are spot on. I have in the past when using water based acrylics as a base run into the paint being effected by decal solutions. Some solutions can be quite strong even with a clear coat. I’ve been returning to lacquer as a base as I find this to be less of a problem with the solutions. Thanks!

Excellent content, as always! Very good tip on pane lining after cutting decals. I use both Tamiya Mark Fit and the Micro Set and Micro Sol. I tend to like the Micro Set and Micro Sol better, especially when I have thin, fragile decals, as I find the Mark Fit more aggressive, in my experience with it.

I dont gloss coat but buff my models to get a smooth finish which reduces the carrier film visibility and i also cut as much carrier away as possible then use a setting solution to blend in. Very nice video thanks.

Hello Jon, very good video, for my decals I have always used the same one, the microset/microsol set, they have given me the best results, last night I tried the Mr Hobby or the Tamiya, so I can't comment on them. The decals have turned out well for me in general, it even depends on the year of the model, there are some, for example Academy, that fall apart with handling, others from Kits closer in date much better and look like a skin...(Academy Douglas Sbd 2 1/48) and so on with other ICM types, from the old Kits, some very fragile, others from more modern Kits, very good, from Tamiya, if I have had bad ones, others are very thick, however I cannot generalize. I use a plastic pot called melamine, everything has withstood me well, it cleans easily, Water in winter is temperate, in summer it is not necessary, I also dream of using gloves, throughout the priming and painting process, but not always when placing decals😅 To finish the process I close with my floor wax hahahaha the brilliance of the decal and its edges are homogeneous, from there another process follows....ahhh It usually happened to me, I divided the placement of decals, the insignia and numerals or drawings into two and after a day the stencils, this way I make sure they don't run over each other hahahaha Greetings and until the next video

Hi Jon. Thanks for the simple but comprehensive guide. I've heard some people say that they put a few drops of Micro Set in the water that they soak the decals in as this reduces surface tension and enhances the setting process a little. Have you tried that?

Looks cool.

Hi Jon. Thanks for the vid and advice. Airfix and Cartograf decals (very sensible move by Airfix). They, and some other Italian companies, make very nice decals. I wonder if it has to do with a lengthy expertise in making fine art prints? Have you used the new style Eduard yet? (I haven't as yet, I have the Rufe which includes them). Saw a bloke on the Tube who had a USB coffee cup warmer under his decal water bowl to keep it warm. Good idea for a cold climate. Not here today! 34C/94F. No painting till the cool of the evening - back yard shed workshop. (I do love summer, my wedding day at 42C/108F back in the 90's, was a bit much though 😅). Look forward to seeing the finished Spitty. Cheers Matt 🦘🦘🦘

Boa tarde meu amigo, microsol e microset devem ser ótimos. Não tenho aqui na minha bancada. Mas vou adquirir.

0820 hours OHIO time… Great weather outside if you want to fly a KITE… Good morning PENNSYLVANIA 🌞… I’ve been buying DECALS on €Bay lately… Still waiting on some product From UKRAINE UKRAINE of all places 😬 I hope they are good quality If there’s anything more important, It’s the decals… I like your technique with the mechanical pencil, I will try that… Everything you’ve showed I’m Going to try… I still like using ENAMEL PAINT, so the Acrylic Wash is a go-to for me… I like the finish on your SPITFIRE… This will be a VIDEO I will go back to for reference… I always look forward to your posts/videos, makes my Saturday morning… Now I need my COFFEE ☕️ HOBBY TIME ON ……. CHRIS 🇺🇸