Need HELP applying the Boeing 737 decals

How did you apply the decals to the 737?

I bought the micro trains set, I wasn't confident enough to put the decals on fuselages, so a let an experienced friend do it. He has had nothing but trouble applying the decals.

1. He washed the fuselages.
2. He applied both Micro sol and Micro Set to the decals, and brushed on Micro Set to the area(and some) on the fuselage.
3. He then slid the decal onto the spot and it immediately stuck, even after applying more Micro set. While trying to adjust the decal, it curled up and couldn't be salvaged; we tried a few common methods.
4. The second time, we got the wing decal to work, but we had to slide a small part off the paper and align it to where the decal would be placed. I had to hold the decal in place, while pulled the paper from under the decal.
5. He then tried the windows, but was concerned about the same issue happening again so he cut the windows into three sections.
6. The middle section went better, but not perfect.
7. My Friend said the decals were too thin and painted them with a clear coat(acrylic?) while they were still on the paper. He let them dry for 24 hours, but still had trouble getting them to look right.
8. He mentioned he was going to wax the fuselage to help it.

Any thoughts? Please help?

here is the first side done.

 

I too have messed up a decal. After that, I use ONLY WATER until the decal is positioned into place. Then and only then, very carefully brush on MicroSol. First a very thin amount, then re-brush with a little more after the first layer has dried and the decal begins to 'stick' on its own. Finally I brush with a liberal amount of MicroSol, (but still light to the touch) to fully dissolve the decal film and set it into place. Lastly, spray some clear coat.

More details here: http://www.trainboard.com/highball/...ng-the-micro-trains-bnsf-fuselage-set.108456/


Also, contact Micro-Trains. They likely have spare decal sets available.

 

I have applied all the decals to both sets, 4 fuselages, and had only a little trouble that was self inflicted. They went on beautifully and once finished look like they were printed on the model. I accidently ripped a front window decal after it was setting (and soft). It was easy to repair by carefully sliding back into position. The decals are printed by Microscale according to MTL and they are the same high quality, thick, flexible material they make all of the decals from.

I'd suggest it may just be inexperience with long stripe type decals, as the decals go on normally for me, and I have lots of experience with this sort of thing. You might want to have your friend practice on a few long stripes (you can get them through Microscale's website for a few bucks) before trying any more windows.

The fuselage is already painted in a gloss coat, as MicroTrains said, and does not need any surface prep, or washing, or clear coats, or any micro set applied. Waxing the fuselage will only prevent the decals from ever really adhering to the surface even if they conform to it - meaning they will appear to stick, but wont actually be bonded. Wax is a terrible idea.

As Mark said, only use water to apply them. If a decal is curling up after it was applied to the model, it's likely because it was left in the water too long and all the adhesive washed away. Only dip the decals in the water for 5-10 seconds or so to get them completely wet, and then lay them on a paper towel for a minute or two (more for larger decals) so they're easily moveable on the backing and then slide them onto the model. You never want to let the decal sit in the water for more than 10 seconds, as all the adhesive will dissolve into the water. And, if they dont go on straight on the first go, re-float them with more water from a toothpick or similar until it can move. This is standard procedure for airliner models with a glossy paint and can be challenging for inexperienced decal users.

Once you have them applied and positioned (dont worry about bubbles or small imperfections, THEN you can apply a heavy coat of Micro-Sol, and let it dry completely before messing with it again. If it needs more Micro Sol, repeat. When you first apply the Micro Sol, it will wrinkle the decal up. That's normal and it will smooth out when it dries.

Then, after it's all completely dry, you can clear coat. It's really not hard if you use the Microscale products how they're intended and you take your time. It took me about half an hour per fuselage to get everything lined up and applied, then after 4 or 5 hours I put a liberal coat of Micro Sol to the decals to help them conform and get rid of any bubbles, and then the next day I clear coated them.

You dont need Micro Set at all, and the Micro Sol should ONLY be applied after the decals are on the model and in position. You never apply these chemicals to the decal before applying the decal - that is self defeating as it will make the decals easily distorted or prone to tearing when you apply them. Micro Set is for surface prep on non-glossy surfaces, and you only apply it to the model, not the decal. Micro Sol is ONLY for softening the decals to conform to odd surface detail and snugging the decals down. That's why I say he's likely inexperienced (despite what he tells you)...you never apply Micro Sol or Set to a decal before applying the decal.

Ryan

 

Thanks

 

Thanks. I send Micro-Trains an email.