Advice needed

**Baron Rolf** · 02-07-2014 00:00

Hi chaps I've started a Shapeways Fokker D.VII for Jasta 15 but I need some advice on what's the best technique to apply the lozenge decals around the cabine struts, I'm abit nervous about doing this as it's my first attempt at doing this so if anyone can help me I'd be very greatfull, also is there a " How to " apply lozenge decals around cabine struts already, if there is can someone please point me in the right direction as I want to have a wingman for my WoW Schaffer version, oh and whilst I'm on the subject can anybody tell what's the closest paint match for the blue section of the fuselage, I'm sorry if these questions have been asked before by somebody else but I want to advance my skill levels with using decals.

**Dark Horse** · 02-07-2014 01:12

I bought the Shapeways model kit version for all my Fokker Dvii planes and decalled the parts first then superglued them together. That was MUCH easier I think than what you are planning to do. I saved my one-piece fokkers for simple paint-jobs. Pix in my album.

**clipper1801** · 02-07-2014 09:01

Brave soul you are! I typically cut paper patterns and fit them over and over until I like the fit, then cut the decals to match. The sticky part of a Post-It label makes great patterns so you can stick them on the model and then stick them to the dry decal-makes cutting much easier. I have since found glue sticks with "re-positionable" glue to do the same thing. You can then save the patterns for when you get out if the mental hospital to make more . . .

**MoonSylver** · 02-07-2014 11:37

Originally Posted by clipper1801

You can then save the patterns for when you get out if the mental hospital to make more . . .

I had wondered the same thing, so it's nice to know there isn't an "easier" way.

**Baron Rolf** · 02-07-2014 12:38

Thanks for the advice guys

**clipper1801** · 02-07-2014 13:09

Here's a glimpse into my horrors . . .

And on a Fokker DVI

The rest is fuzzy rooms with very soft walls . . .

**Baron Rolf** · 02-07-2014 15:29

Originally Posted by clipper1801

Here's a glimpse into my horrors . . .

And on a Fokker DVI

The rest is fuzzy rooms with very soft walls . . .

Thankyou Clipper and your Elves for showing me your technique.

**Flying Helmut** · 02-07-2014 17:13

I haven't even TRIED that!

I was lucky enough to get enough Nexus Schafers and Udets to have all ten planes on the Dom's Decals sheet without resorting to Shapeways.

Dom S., he of Decal fame, recommends Vallejo Model Colour Ultramarine 055 for the fuselage blue. That's the colour I have gone with. I'm very happy with it.

**fast.git** · 02-07-2014 18:58

Originally Posted by Flying Helmut

I haven't even TRIED that!

I was lucky enough to get enough Nexus Schafers and Udets to have all ten planes on the Dom's Decals sheet without resorting to Shapeways.

Dom S., he of Decal fame, recommends Vallejo Model Colour Ultramarine 055 for the fuselage blue. That's the colour I have gone with. I'm very happy with it.

Really?! Damn... picked a poor time to not hoard Nexus planes. Somehow, my crystal ball failed me when it came to the D.VIIs! Ah... the ignorance of youth...

**grumpybear** · 02-07-2014 19:41

I kinda cut to aprox size use micro sol and set and a very sharp pointed blade or a new razor blade to carefully cut around struts . A soft touch is needed but with care it can be done

**Teaticket** · 02-07-2014 19:45

I'm not a big fan of decals. I try to paint everything possible before using decals. With my just finished Sopwith Pups, I'm disappointed in the roundels cracking. I used micro set and sol but they cracked two days later.

Could it be because after applying the decals I spray with a clear gloss for protection, then a clear flat? (Yes, I let them dry for a day before spraying!)

**tusekine** · 02-07-2014 21:42

I have found that the Microsol makes my decals crack, so often I do not use it anymore. It also "fries" the edges on small decals. I actually use it now to get rid of small overhangs on wings that I cannot reach with a blade. I make my own decals quite often, and sometimes have problems with even Microset, so I am now using white glue thinned down a bit in stead of Micoset.

**clipper1801** · 02-07-2014 21:47

That is why the elves prefer stickers over decals . . .

**Captain Chum** · 02-07-2014 22:37

Originally Posted by tusekine

I have found that the Microsol makes my decals crack, so often I do not use it anymore. It also "fries" the edges on small decals. I actually use it now to get rid of small overhangs on wings that I cannot reach with a blade. I make my own decals quite often, and sometimes have problems with even Microset, so I am now using white glue thinned down a bit in stead of Micoset.

I use testor brand decal paper and tester brand decal bonder which also acts as a sealer after the decals have been applied. Been using this method for a couple of years now and have had no problems.

**Captain Chum** · 02-07-2014 22:41

Originally Posted by clipper1801

Brave soul you are! I typically cut paper patterns and fit them over and over until I like the fit, then cut the decals to match. The sticky part of a Post-It label makes great patterns so you can stick them on the model and then stick them to the dry decal-makes cutting much easier. I have since found glue sticks with "re-positionable" glue to do the same thing. You can then save the patterns for when you get out if the mental hospital to make more . . .

Thanks, good tip!

**Nightbomber** · 02-07-2014 23:13

10 minutes of reading this thread and I am much wiser now...Thanks chaps, Clipper especially

I see my new DVIIs needed decalling on the horizon...

**Dom S** · 02-08-2014 02:41

Originally Posted by Teaticket

Could it be because after applying the decals I spray with a clear gloss for protection, then a clear flat?

Yes, absolutely - most spray coats (and almost all enamel and lacquer sprays) will attack the decal film, and/or the actual ink itself. I always apply a brush-on coat of varnish over the decals before hitting the model with sprays.

Dom.

**Teaticket** · 02-08-2014 04:46

Originally Posted by Dom S

Yes, absolutely - most spray coats (and almost all enamel and lacquer sprays) will attack the decal film, and/or the actual ink itself. I always apply a brush-on coat of varnish over the decals before hitting the model with sprays.

Dom.

Thanks Dom. I guess I'll be replacing those decals if I can.

**freebird-52** · 02-11-2014 05:20

Originally Posted by Teaticket

Could it be because after applying the decals I spray with a clear gloss for protection, then a clear flat? (Yes, I let them dry for a day before spraying!)

Hmmm, may be try using Pledge Future before decal-ing, wait 48 hours, then use your Micro Sol to loosen decal from paper and Micro Set on the model, wait another 48 hours then add another coat of Pledge Future, wait another 48 hours. Finally use your clear flat. Works pretty well for me...

Pledge Future has changed its name, but still the same great stuff...it's Pledge With Future Shine.

http://www.amazon.com/Pledge-Future-.../dp/B003TRXH0G

**Womble** · 02-11-2014 06:17

I use a similar method to clipper to make the templates. I always decal the underwings first then cut the top wing decals slightly larger so that itll cover the wing edges as well. I cut small 1-2mm slits in the decal around the wing edges so it can overlap itself and fit around corners and edges. I use Humbrol sol and varnish with Vallejo matte varnish as soon as the sol has evaporated. I varnish each decal before moving on to the next as its so easy to damage them by accident.

I hope this helps. Good luck with the decals.

Ian