In over my head with SMS decals

I am fairly new to this hobby and really don't have any experience with decals. I bought several sheets of SMS carbon and kevlar decals. I tried to decal the seat on my Arta NSX , but it did not go well at all.

is there a thread that helps with the procedure?

Do you need to slice the decals to get them to position properly?

can anyone give me the basic steps and help me out, or point me to the appropriate thread?

thanks.

I normally use scalewiki.com for tips like this but I cannot seem to access the web page.
Anyway, here is another link that I cannot vouch for, but should help get you in the right direction.
http://members.tripod.com/msmodels/carbonhelp.htm
Welcome back to modeling!
Chris

Have you ever used "decal softener/decal setter" to soak the decal after you place it over the surface? Try to search the board, you will get good info.

If you have never used one, it will make the decal wrinkle, but don't worry. As they dry out, it will contour the surface area nicely and flatten out. Test and practice! :) It really is a time consuming process, but the result is worth it.

Have you ever used "decal softener/decal setter" to soak the decal after you place it over the surface? Try to search the board, you will get good info.

If you have never used one, it will make the decal wrinkle, but don't worry. As they dry out, it will contour the surface area nicely and flatten out. Test and practice! :) It really is a time consuming process, but the result is worth it.


yeah I used the model masters decal set.

I was trying to get ALL the wrinkles out. You mean I dont have to do that? does the blowdryer (SMS instruction sheet) make it shrink like heat shrink?

I know I cant leave big wrinkles, but if they are pretty tight scrunched up they will flatten out after it cures?

I think this is one of the few fields in the modeling techniques where an advice can't help.
All you need is experience, and to know that is quite hard achieve a perfect result by first attempts.
Only thing I'll say is that: MM decal sotions are good but Microscale Sol+Set are better and probably much more helpful for a novice: brush the part with Sol and a bit of Set (it help a lot to break water bubbles giving a wet surface), slide in position the decal and brush a good quantity of Sol: forgot the project for few hours and back.

Than reapply Sol.

With a bit of experience you'll be able to manage a softened decal, but over first attempt better leave to Sol the job and see how it do for you: sometime the job is awesome without any touch.

You said you use SMS decals: you're lucky, I started my adventure with carbons (thing that I HATE) with decals thick like cardboard, SMS are thin, good quality and don't almost need softener... TRY!

EDIT: forgot, the quality of your wrapped surface depends by the finishing of the part: normally a good finishing for a carbon part will take probably 80% of the job: primer, paint, clearcoat and a decent polishing: decals likes a gloss surface.

There is a good FAQ here http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=145001

Hemi, you can go to the SMS site. They have a "how to" video that can be useful!!

http://www.scalemotorsport.com

haha I'm such an idiot. I was trying to do the seat with a big square piece of decal, I didnt even think to make a template.

thank you very much for all the help, I think I'll be able to get it now.