Does anyone have any helpful ideas for getting water transfer decals to stay put? Just purchased the new UP City series E8/9 and am trying to get the decal numbers to stick on the plastic lense. The lense has a clear shiny finish. After getting them placed on the lense, I let them stay over night, but they dont seem to wanna stick. They just slide off during installation of the lense.
Any ideas? Thanks!
I always use MicroSet (from Microscale) to apply the decals. After they dry, I seal them with Dul-Coat or a clear spray finish, depending on the surface I want to achieve for the final model.
Make sure the surface is clean before applying, then wipe on some Microset and apply the decal. Use the edge of a paper towel to wick extra water from the edges. Don’t rub or blot the decal, though. It probably likes the paper towel more than the model surface.
I would think the decals would stay on better than that, as long as the surface was clean to begin with. Are they very old? You might also try using Micro-Sol, which will soften and help restore old decals.
Walthers also has Solvaset. But spraying with a clear top coating I have found to be key for durability. Maybe even 2 coats, depending on how thick the first, effect on color, etc. Also, probably not a problem, but don’t let everything get too cold this time of year.
Richard
Thanks for the advice guys… I will grab some of the Microscale Solvoset and go from there…
Rob,
I think the answer to your question lies in your first couple of words: “just purchased a new…”
New models from the factory are usually covered with oil, mold release compounds, and other good stuff. Which are not conducive to decals sticking. Try cleaning the area with denatured alcohol or other gentle cleaner first (soapy water works too, but not if you haven’t taken the shell off of the loco!)
Also, you might be soaking the decals in water too long and soaking off most of the adhesive.
I’ve had problems getting decals to adhere to clear plastic as well, it seems as if there’s just not enough “tooth” to get the decals to grab. Solvaset or Micro Sol didn’t help matters. I resorted to ever so lightly sanding the surface to be decaled.
It’s Microscale’s MicroSet or Walthers’ Solvaset.
My inclination, based on your statement above, tells me you are trying to put decals over a clear numberboard. If this is the case you will never get them to stick unless they are painted. Decals need to go over a painted surface to work. You can paint the lense with testors gloss coat then decal over that.
Dan
One other idea: Let gravity work for you.
Take the shell off, clean the number boards.
Find something that will hold the shell vertically, like an empty Pringles can, or a big cup. Put it in there.
Put a little Microset on the number board, then apply the decal in the normal manner. Once in place, more decal setting solution to get it to stay, then clear coat.
If the decal isn’t trying to slide down and off while it is setting, it should stay in place better.
Guys… Thanks for all the great ideas! I will try the Micro set first… and then seal with clear coat. If that doesnt work, then I will try painting the lenses with clear coat and then apply decal. The lenses are not installed on the loco, so its easier to apply the decals without worrying about the E8 Shell getting in the way.
Again thanks everyone for the great ideas!
Hey Rob. Maybe one more idea. I’ve always had good results use Micro-Set before you aplly the decal then using Micro-Sol after it’s on. A small amount is all you need. Then don’t touch it, let it wrinkle the decal and as it dries it will straighten back out., you may need to give it a coat or two. A trick I learned from my friends who model aircraft .like to use clear floor polish on their canopys and this will give the decals some bite.
Hope this helps. espeejim17