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Yeah they can be tricky but once you done a few it becomes easier. microset and microsol is really good
this is what I do,
firstly cutting the decal out is (I think) the most important part, you want to cut it really close to the actual symbol (in your case the imperial fists fist) if you leave to much transparent decal sheet around the symbol you will get what is called "silvering" and the decal just wont "sit down" so really make sure it is almost just the imperial fist that your sticking down with little or no transparent decal around the fist. keep in mind if you cut it to close the symbol it has a good chance of ripping so its a fine line, basically (make the decal as small as you possibly can)
brush on microset onto the shoulder pad, all micro set is, is a liquid version of the glue that's already on the back of the decal. So in a sense it simply adds more stick.
put your "well cut" decal into "clean" water for 30 seconds or so.
How you then lay the decal over the pad is really down to the person some people use tweezers I think a brush is best
position the decal onto the pad, then the most important thing being (take your time and don't panic) its only a decal and you can always simply take it off.
now use the microsol this basically makes the decal more malleable (more floppy) and will help it to lay over the pad
it may still be popping up very slightly in places, now the second most important thing is "cotton buds are your friends" dab down lightly on any raised areas and as it absorbs moister and the decal gets stronger then you really can push down hard with the cotton bud, don't be afraid really roll the cotton bud over the decal hard, like your really ironing it on. I cant stress this enough cotton buds really really help. lightly at first but stronger until its fixed right down.
lastly give it a good strong spray of varnish a nice covering, best really just varnish the whole model at this stage as decals tend to be the final stage. Matt varnish is what I find best as it really seals it down and gives that lovely "painted on"look
Icelord wrote: So for a long time I never used decals on my models. Always preferred to paint a logo etc from hand.
I decided for my imperial fists that I would use good old GW IF decals. I decided to start with 1 tactical squad and I am having nothing but trouble.
It seems that when I put them on a shoulder pad they just wont lay flat. Its the weird angle of the pad I think.
Some one told me "get some micro sol and micro set" so I did. I am not really sure how to use them as the directions are crappy.
Basically can some one tell me how to put these decals on! I need a step by step and maybe some help with the shoulder pads directly. THanks!
Have no fear, decals are easy, when you know how.
First things first, you will need:
A knife, Stanley Knife is best, or a 'box cutter'
Games Workshop's Lahmian Medium
Games Workshop's 'Ard Coat
First of all, take Games Workshop's 'Ard Coat and paint a layer onto the surface you with to decal. This stuff is a white, sticky stuff (no laughing), and dries shiny, like gloss varnish.
Then take your knife and cut out your decal making sure you get as close to the decal as possible when you cut. Once you have your cut decal, take your knife and make cuts into the decal's corners and along its edge, this is so that the decal can fold around surfaces, like shoulder pads.
Place your decal on the pre-'Ard Coated surface and position it where you'd like it with a wet brush or tweezers.
Dab the any excess water off using a damp, but not wet, kitchen towel.
Then apply another layer of 'Ard Coat and allow to dry, your decal will now be sandwiched between two layers.
Once dry, apply a layer of Lahmian Medium, once dry this takes the shine off of the 'Ard Coat, you made need two coats.
That, my friend. Is it.
An Armour Save? No, never heard of it. Me? I play Imperial Guard.
Very good tut, follow this exactly and you won't go wrong.
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I haven't tried it (yet), but it occurs to me that, for a lot of decals, you could simply cut out the black, hold it to your model, and paint, making it into a stencil...
Word of advice. Give the shoulder pad a gloss varnish first. Once you put on the decal set, leave it alone. Even if it is wrinkly I have found that 1-2 further applications will smooth it. You just need to leave it to work its magic. finally seal that decal in with another coat and then dullcoat as the last step.
Correct. Despite countless millennia of evolution, technological advances and civilization, we're still monkeys throwing feces at things we don't like.-Zed.
Imperial Flyers don't actually "fly" they just go fast enough that they fall in an arc that keeps them parallel to the ground. -Clockwork Zion
~Ice~ 
