This is just a quick look at applying water transfers (decals), please share any tips and tricks you’ve picked up in the past as well.
This is just a quick look at applying water transfers (decals), please share any tips and tricks you’ve picked up in the past as well.
1) Never dunk the transfer in water. Better to have a damp paper towel in a lid/container, then lay the transfer, paper side down, onto the wet towel. This provides better control of the wet decal, and prevents losing a decal that’s floated off the paper in the water.
2) Always put a clear gloss coat on the entire panel the transfer is going to lie on – this will fill in any inconsistencies in the surface and prevent “frosting”/”silvering” of the transfer due to microscopic air pockets between it and the model surface.
3) Use a decal softening/setting solution to allow it to adhere to the contours of the surface (I prefer Micro Sol/Set to do this). Use Micro Sol instead of water to adjust the position of the transfer.
4) After the decal has dried from the setting solution, paint a second clear gloss coat over the panel/decal. This will help fill in the edges of the transfer and blend it into the surface.
5) Finish with a coat of clear matte varnish to get back to your dull surface
These are some fantastic tips, thank you!