– when storing decals, please refrain from stacking decals together/on top of each other without placing protective paper in between decal sheets.
– refrain from applying weight/pressure or sandwiching decals between objects when storing decals.
– refrain from leaving decals in high moisture areas while storing.
– The decals used in our kits have a delicate finish in order to preserve flexibility. The surface layer may become damaged over time if the above steps are not followed.
– When removing protective paper, sometimes traces will remain on the clear coat surface. In most cases, the trace will stand out less after soaking the decals in water and applying them to the model. If the model receives a clear coat after decals have been placed, the traces will become almost invisible.
Various methods can be used to soften decals to allow for easier application or preventing them from cracking upon removing from backing sheet.
1) Boiling water – use boiled water (90~100 degrees Celsius) to remove the decal from the backing paper. This will soften decals making them harder to break with less chance of damaging the decal itself.
2) Alcohol – apply alcohol to decal using a brush after application allowing for the decal to soften and conform to the applied surface. After brushing leave the decals alone for 2~3 minutes and they will shrink/wrinkles will be removed as alcohol is evaporated.
Various alcohol products exist on the market and differ vastly in concentration and dilution. If too strong the alcohol will burn through the decals - please test with unneeded decals first to see if the alcohol works with the decals. We use a mixture of 95% methanol and 5% ethanol lamp fuel.
3) 3rd party decal setting/softener solutions – various decals setting/softening solutions are readily available on the market. Please test these products with unneeded decals first before application as certain brands may be too strong and damage the decal.
In addition:
For CERTAIN decals included in kit:
“1/12scale Fulldetail Kit : Williams FW11B” *(earliar productions of the kit until April 2020)
“1/12scale Fulldetail Kit : 126C4”
For ALL decals included in kit:
“1/12scale Fulldetail Kit : 312F1”
“1/24scale Fulldetail Kit : 917/30 Ver.D/E (Limited Products)”
“1/12scale Fulldetail Kit : 956 short Ver.D (Limited Products)”
“1/12scale Fulldetail Kit : 956 long Ver.D (Limited Products)”
and
“P1137 : 1/12scale LINE DECAL for 787B”(Early release items only)
the decal(s) included in the kits mentioned require different handling and applying methods. Please refer to the images attached for specifics instructions.