Hasslefree Decals
by James Mok aka Chopper
The basics
Currently there are two main types available,
1: The first is a clear base paper which is most suitable for light coloured surfaces.
2: The white base paper can go on any colour surface.
Both types of decal have been printed with a laser printer so no need to worry about the colours bleeding when the backing paper is wettened!...guess who learnt that lesson the hard way!.....lol
The decals with the white backing paper are slightly thicker than the clear ones
General Hints and Tips
1: Always keep all unused decals, even the partly cut ones....how many times have you thrown away something you thought un-usable only to find a perfect use for it two days later? Very much like the bits box for your miniatures, unused decals will always come in handy.
2: Use a resealable bag or a plastic box with a lid to keep them all together, and keep them away from wet or damp places.
3: Have a good working area. Try to make some room on the table that you are working on, it will lessen the chance of losing a decal....dont forget how tiny they are!
4: Work with one decal at a time. It is best to apply a decal, see the result and then work with the next one.
Cutting decals
1: Cut the decals with a sharp hobby (modeling) knife or a small pair of pointed scissors.
2: Keep a new blade and small scissors with the decals as the decal tools.
3: Cutting the clear base paper is easy, as you just cut round the design with a little overlap however for the white based paper, you will have to cut as close to the design as you can.
Applying the decals
1: Use a pair of pointed tweezers to hold the decal. This should be done lightly to avoid any damage to the decal itself.
2: Dip the decal in clean water (Warm water works best) for 2 to 10 seconds.
3: Lay the decal near the area on which it is to be placed.
4: Use a clean small (000 or 0000) brush to brush a little water onto the surface of area (if it is a matt surface) where the decal is to be applied (this will help the decal slide better).
5: Use the brush to check if the decal easily comes away from the backing paper, do not force it off. If it is too dry just use the brush to put a drop more of water onto the decal and wait a few more seconds.
6: Slide the decal into place with the brush and pull the backing paper away.
7: Work with the brush until the decal is in place. If it is too dry then add a little more water and if too wet then use a dry brush to remove some of the surface water.
8: Once the decal is in place keep on using the brush to dry the decal, a bit like dry brushing, this helps the decal lay better on any surface.
9: After a few minutes it should be touch dry, and you can work on the next decal.
After care
A coat of varnish (even a thin coat) will be needed to seal the decal and prevent it coming off.
A message from James
'My long term aim is to fill the gap in decals that gamers, modellers and painters all look for but yet is still largely missing. For some, detailed art work is near impossible to hand paint, the only way would be using decals.
I hope the decals will help gamers with basic paint skills to spicing up their models, to help keen painters adding their extras, and hopefully take the painting on to the next level for the few top painters.
Making good decals is a lot harder then it looks, but it is fun for me. I am planning on adding to the range regularly and am open to ideas of what you would like to see, please email me via Sally
Anyway I am on a winner here, each time someone uses a decal from me I will have a mark there. Talk about Tagging !!'
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