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Hi everyone,

Been trying to apply decals on some models lately, and I've come across a small problem, that I'm hoping others can help me with.

When I apply a decal to a shoulder pad of a Space Marine, the decal doesn't apply smoothly. To be more specific, I'll have an end or part of the decal that is "popping up", or have an air bubble somewhere. I've tried brushing it down with paint brushes, and dabbing at it with soft tissue paper (as the back of the decal sheets suggest), but can't quite seem to get them on right still. I've also tried cutting the unnecessary parts of the decal, making it smaller, but depending on the shoulder pad, they don't stick on properly still.

Does anyone have any advice to applying them on curved surfaces?

Also, has anyone every experienced an applied decal falling off the model after being applied? Once applied properly, is there anything that you would recommend I do to keep the decal from falling off?

Thanks everyone!
~RB

there is a product called micro sol and micro set. I found these invaluable when applying decals.

Do a search on this topic - there is a lot of great advice out there.

But basically, it will come back to products that make deacls esier.

Do a search on either:

Micro set and mico sol

OR

mr mark setter and mr mark softer.

Both paroduct pairs do the same thing.

I think there is a tutorial or two in the tutorial section.

However, quickly:

Cover the area to receive the decal with gloss varnish.
Let dry.
Apply decal setting solution to pad (micro set)
While wet, lay down decal, dab off excess moisture.
Apply decal softening solution to decal (micro sol).
Let dry.
Cover area with gloss varnish. Let dry.
Cover area with matte varnish to finish.

The other thing I have done is to use my hobby knife to make a small cut at '10' and '2' on the decal, this allows the decal to better conform. Coupled with the microsol, which melts the decal some, flattens it nicely. It takes a little practice, and sometimes multiple applications of microsol (allowing them to dry each time). Patience helps :-)

*edit: you want to make sure the decal is in the right spot and dry before using the microsol, if you try to move it it'll rip. I usually use water for the initial placement, then microset, then microsol.

Humbrol Decalfix is a product I have used in the past, it smells like Nurgles pants but does the trick.

Thank you for all the advice, everyone. I've been reading a few reviews on Micro Sol and Set, and so far, I'm liking a lot of what I'm seeing.

Cheers!

I've seen some people complain about the 'strength' of microset and microsol compared to other similar products. Those, iirc, were related to the use of home made decals (thicker) versus professional decals (thinner usually). They have said microset/sol isn't as good with thicker decals. I've had no problem.

I picked up a great decal setting kit from micro-mark that I have used for a very long time, I highly recommend it.