CF decal application FAQ? Q for Pman

I have read some websites etc and read the back of the scale motorsports CF decal sheet, however I still don't understand how to get the *exact* size of the area its being applied to.

e.g if you see tamiya's enzo model they use CF decals on the engine etc etc..

however they get it so exact? how do they do it? does the modeller have access to the CAD?

Pman - how do you detail stuff, for example your seats in your enzo have red on them and then black on the back (as per instructions)
the line between the colours are very clean, how do you achieve that?
is it the same as your window frame painting (careful masking and enamel?)

Originally posted by nornicle
I have read some websites etc and read the back of the scale motorsports CF decal sheet, however I still don't understand how to get the *exact* size of the area its being applied to.


I generaly don't try to get the CF decal the exact size of the part to be covered. Instead I cut the cut the decal so it is larger than the area, apply it, then when dry cut the excess away with a sharp knife.

Another method is to cover the area with masking tape first. Use the knife again to cut the excess tape away then use the leftover masking tape as a template. I think that is the technique Mathew Wells of SMS uses to make his templates.

Originally posted by RallyRaider


I generaly don't try to get the CF decal the exact size of the part to be covered. Instead I cut the cut the decal so it is larger than the area, apply it, then when dry cut the excess away with a sharp knife.



Ditto

I use masking tape to make a template first.

I paint all parts gunmetal before CF decaling, if you make any mistake, or the decal doesn't quite cover the entire piece, you'll never notice it.