Carbon fibre decals, how to apply?

Hi all,
i've just purchased some carbon fibre decals from SAS and planning to use it to make a carbon fibre bonnet. Now since this is my first attempt on the CF decals, can anyone give me some instructions/hints on how to do it properly? like whether i should cut the decal to exact shape first then stick it on the bonnet or just stick it on the bonnet first, let it dry then trim off the non required bits?
I did a search on the msg forum and also looked at the FAQs but don't seem to find anything about this topic.

Richard

take your time and use microsol...

dont worie.. with the sas cedal sheet, i only made 1 single hood (becose i didn't get good result the first time... so it's possible you dont get it the first time... but the product is awersome

I use masking tape or Bare Metal Foil to make a template of the shape I want and then transfer the shape to the uncut sheet of CF decal; I try to leave a little extra room for mistakes without using too much of the decal. Hope this was of help to you! :)

Cut your decal to the correct shape first, if you are decaling a hood that is made onto the body, make a pattern using paper. Like Vric says, use Microsol and don't even try to decal that hood without it unless it's as flat as an ITR hood. Works best to put some Microsol on the hood, put the decal on, brush some Microsol on top of decal, let it soak in about 3 minutes. If you have a blow dryer put it on low speed and low heat, blow the air gently on the decal so it will conform. If you still have wrinkles, brush Microsol onto those areas and keep repeating the process til it's all flat.

http://www.infinite1der.org/~dino/civic4.JPG

Thanks guys for your comments.. but now... what is microsol !!??:rolleyes:

Originally posted by yellow15
Thanks guys for your comments.. but now... what is microsol !!??:rolleyes:

Read about it here:www.microscale.com

Originally posted by Veyron


Read about it here:www.microscale.com

stuff that "hurt" the decal and make it stick to any peice even if it's very tricky... cost about 2$

Thanks for the info guys... but i've just checked some of the local hobby shop's website and it seems none of them carry it? Does any know if any website is selling it and ship international? (i live in New Zealand) or if there is any kiwi (new zealander) reading this thread and happen to know some local shop selling it, please let me know

cheers

I just got this Testors decal application system for $2. It comes with a decal set bottle, a decal solvent bottle and a brush. Is this equivalent to Microsol? I havnt used it yet.

Yes, i would like to know if there is any other product that is similar to the Mirco Sol

Maybe something from Tamiya???

Ah, CF decals, good to learn from the pro's here cos I need to learn these things too.

you can try to find those products.:)
http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/304871paint05.jpg

What is so alluring about a carbon fiber hood?

personaly I think they show lazyness on behalf of a ricer, and look stupid. Nothing else on the car is carbon fiber, so why NOT paint the hood to match the car OR the spoiler ?
FWIW, there is nothing wrong with a METAL hood. loosing 32 pounds on hood weight is NOT going to affect your red light to red light times by even a FRACTION of a second......... let alone make your status any better......

STEPPING OFF MY SOAP BOX.....

Decals... What they said above, PLUS.... DO NOT RUSH a decal. you MUST let them soak fully and allow them to work themselves off the paper. 74 degree water is best as well as no more than 5 minutes soaking. Too much glue will be tough to "slide and hide" if you have clear areas in the decal and will yellow over time.

The softening of the decal is seriously tricky... pratice on a few scrap pieces first or else you will blister, or tear it..... or worse ! FUBAR the hood.

I found a NEW credit card and a BRAND NEW #11 Exacto blade (to make tiny holes in the trapped air bubbles) to be great while blotting with a lightly damp sponge.

HTH. :frog:

Originally posted by Ghost_9418
I just got this Testors decal application system for $2. It comes with a decal set bottle, a decal solvent bottle and a brush. Is this equivalent to Microsol? I havnt used it yet.

Whats the difference between decal solvent and decal setting solution?

Hi all, thanks for all your advice. I ended up buying the Mr Mark Softener as i can't find Micro Sol here. It is pretty easy to use and i'm happy with the result...
here are some pics of my model.. sorry pics not really clear, my digital camera seems to have some focusing problem when light is not enough:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/7137832s15s.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/8424262s15s2.jpg


(i'm a beginner and welcome any feedback/suggestions)
Once again thank you and you guys are awesome!!!

Nice work~
After reading.. now I know how to apply CF Decal..

*Forhod looks behind the models, Nice Ride~ :D

wow, 3 great cars in one picture!
Your models look really good for a beginner (or so you call yourself :rolleyes: ) . And I love the car in the backround! :)

To yellow15
Please you tell me which color do you use on the right hand car ???
It't looks great.:D

What is so alluring about carbon fiber........
personaly I think they show lazyness on behalf of a ricer, and look stupid. Nothing else on the car is carbon fiber, so why NOT paint the hood to match the car OR the spoiler ? :mad:

I don't usually respond to bashing but you really don't seem to know anything about carbon fiber. First of all it is 6 times stronger than steel and only a fraction of the weight (that is why it is used SOOO much in race cars today) speaking as someone who HAS a carbon fiber hood I know a little about it. The light weight DOES help and everybit of weight you can shave adds up and losing 20lbs or so on a hood can make more of a difference than you think. And in my case where I have a scoop on the hood, all the fresh air that is pulled in aids in cooling my motor thus producing a little more power. I don't know where you get off calling me lazy, so you don't like the way Carbon Fiber looks? Well I DO: as well as a buch of other people. I don't like chrome rims but I don't slam other people that do, it's just not my taste and thats all. Sorry you feel that way but to each his own I guess.:D

Nice job. I like your S15 (correct me if im wrong). Don't see any here in the states :( (well aside from those people who think thier rides are S15's and put S15 lights on their cars :rolleyes: ).

tamiyarevell: the one on the right is Tamiya Gold Spray paint (sorry i throw away the empty spray can already but i think there is only one gold colour?)

well i'm not a 100% beginner.. i did build quite a few models when i was around 15 or so (tank, bike, car, figures...etc) but the result was really terrible :( and almost all of them ended up in the rubbish bin. After reading the FAQS + other ppl's posts here, i've decided to re-enter the modelling world so this is my first attemp in building a nice car model.
anyway, I've learned SO MUCH from here... Thanks guys!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/uploads/741270s15.jpg

Looking great again.. Now I see a 1:1 Silvia behind the 1:24 Silvia? ;) :D

You've done a great job on that!

As nice as your models are I just can't stop drooling at the 1:1 S15s in the background, MAN I am jealous (as i'm sure everybody else is also):D

Nice job! i like your orange/black one ;)
Is it just me but i saw TWO 1:1 S15s in the background!!!:eek: :eek: :eek:

And how do you put CF decals onto GT Wings? Do you wind it around the wing or how do you do it?

I've got a question on this 2.
How do u guys wrap cf around round parts??? I cant seem 2 do it any pics if u have done it.

Dave ESPI

i too have a carbon fiber hood and i am not a stoplight ricer. i am an experienced drifter and the hood on my ae86 made a great difference in turn-in response, and no i didnt paint it because
A. i would rather spend money on more important things like gas, food, tires, and event registration.
B. it looks really good since i have black 15x7 mesh wheels so it goes with the look of the car anyway.

well here, look for yourself.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/pf028d359fd25f7692776d68d7f27eeaf/fcb9b468.jpg

as for everyone's C/F decal advice, i wish i knew earlier. i did one on an AE86 model a year ago and i tore a corner off trying to trim it while it was still damp. its a cheesey looking decal though, so i'll just do it over again someday. what is a good looking brand in 1/24th scale? and where can i get it online? thanks.

i have a question2.
i have seen some pics with a clored carbon decal in yellow or red
how u guys do it?

hmm driftae86 u have msn or icq or something like this?

If you can't find a decal setting solution, you can try regular hosehold vinagar. Mix it about 50/50 with water. try it with a test decal first though.
:tongue: