Decals on cardmodels?

[dhanners]

Here’s a question I’ve never dealt with in my years of cardmodeling: Can water-slide decals intended for plastic/resin models by used on a card model?

I’m building a model and it has a few small markings that aren’t on the model. There is, however, a good decal set available for the model.

I figured I’d experiment with a spare decal or two on the same cardstock I’m using for the build, but I thought I’d ask if anyone has ever tried this and if they have any advice, warnings, etc.

Thanks!
David

[Rhaven Blaack]

One the things that you can do, is scan the decal sheet. Print it out on tracing paper, then cut out the "decal" and apply it with a thin layer of glue.
I have used this trick myself and it works well.

[murphyaa]

I've never encountered that before. Usually I either scan decals in then either Photoshop the decal directly onto the model before printing, or print it onto regular paper and glue it on.

[heinkel111]

The solution would be to use spray varnish for waterproof paper.

[Butelczynski]

I tried it years ago and it didn't work well. 3 major problems: one is water getting where it shouldn't and even 3 coats of varnish didn't seal paper enough. Two was shrinkage of decal. When decal dries it shrinks ever so little but enough to get distorted on paper. problem was visible on 1:48 scale model and I imagine other scales will be the same. Third problem was where I stored those models. I keep my place rather cold and while paper models don't mind decals on them did. Either they dried or glue dried and decals simply fell of the models like leaves.

Those experiments took place 20 years ago with even older decals. New decals might give different results.

BTw-those models were old Maly Hurricanes scaled down on xerox and transferred onto card. I build them and painted them. Entire thing was very time and effort consuming and I jumped on digital bandwagon as soon as I got my comp.

[dhanners]

Thanks, all. Some stuff to think about.

I’m attempting to build Ken West’s X-15A-2 in its white ablative/sealant look. Since there is no 1/32nd-scale model in white, I’m building the model inside-out. It looks like it’ll work, but the markings then become the issue.

[Texman]

I have done it on the Red River paper. A heinkel111 stated, seal it with a Krylon clear first. Then use as usual. Just don't flood the decal area with water as you would on a plastic kit.

[Rhaven Blaack]

Another solution is to scan the decal sheet into the computer. Using whatever editing software you prefer, scale the decals to the preferred size, and apply the decals to the template prior to printing.

[dhanners]

Originally Posted by Rhaven Blaack

Another solution is to scan the decal sheet into the computer. Using whatever editing software you prefer, scale the decals to the preferred size, and apply the decals to the template prior to printing.

Can’t do that since I am building the model inside-out so everything is white on the outside.

[smithdr]

I've used them just like plastic models as long as I've painted the paper first with some acrylic paint...again, just like plastics. Works well.


Of course, not sure about directly on your paper. I think a clear varnish beforehand (which was already mentioned) would make it work too!


Dan