How To: Working With Carbon Composite Decals

[chrismcgee]

can i also add that if you use the microsol directly onto the car body b4 you lay the decal then it will conform to even tighter angles, i have used this a few times on larger sheets. hoods are still so difficult to do without a wrinkle.

[Bangai-o]

I think it's be good if people would add pictures and state the type and brand of decal they've used because each brand has different colouring and types which can be confusing to get the right one.

[freakray]

Originally Posted by Bangai-o

I think it's be good if people would add pictures and state the type and brand of decal they've used because each brand has different colouring and types which can be confusing to get the right one.

That's one reason why I put the first image above, to show some different patterns, those are also the ones I work with and that I have used the method I outline above on.

[bigfrit]

Thanks a lot for the more then comprehensive tutorial!
Now I have got no excuse to try this also !

cheers

Olivier

[T\/\/iN-Tu|2Bo]

Excellent tutorial

[nismo man]

where can i get some solvaset or micro sol and which is better.

[freakray]

Originally Posted by nismo man

where can i get some solvaset or micro sol and which is better.

It's best to get the Microscale products, being MicroSet and MicroSol, they are designed to work together.
You can get both from Dennis at www.modelexpress.net

[ATMDC]

after cutting the tape mask, did you stick it right down onto the carbon decal? i thought that when you would try to pull it back off it would rip or mess it up?

[Jay!]

Originally Posted by ATMDC

after cutting the tape mask, did you stick it right down onto the carbon decal? i thought that when you would try to pull it back off it would rip or mess it up?

Ray specifically calls out the fact he uses Tamiya tape because of its low-adhesion. That's what makes it less likely to stick "hard" enough to damage the decal.

If you're uncomfortable with sticking tape onto your expensive decals, simply take the extra step of transferring the tape pattern to plain paper, cut out the paper, then use the paper pattern as your guide for cutting the decal sheet. you may still want to secure the paper pattern to the decal sheet in at least one inconspicuous point, so the pattern can't move once you've started.

edit: That's what Bill said, too:

Originally Posted by bvia

2. Transfer the masking tape template to a piece of cardstock (3x5 notecard is usually a good size and thickness) and use a pencil to trace the outline onto the decal (IF the part is symmetrical, trace on the back, or paper side of the decal). That way you can keep the template for other pieces (racing seats are almost identical in certain series) and also sometimes the masking tape can simply destroy the decal when you try and remove it.

[freakmech]

This is a great tutorial Ray. for many reasons. ive been having trouble with my decals on the Silvia in Motorsports. ive never had to use Microsol before and wasnt sure how to use properly without damaging decal. this is a GOD sent thanks.

[emilmh]

there must be an alternative solution to micro sol?
I cant find it where i live!!

can anything else be used instead like, methelated spirits, mineral turpentine ect??

since i cant find microsol i might not be able to complete my model!

[RallyRaider]

Definitely not turpentine. There is probably some household alternative if you knew the formulation. I always wondered if vinegar would work in place of Microset. Never felt the need to try personaly.

[Sticky Fingers]

I notice from your proifile Emilmh that you're from Australia. I know there are others on this forum from Australia, so maybe they'll let you know where to get some.

[emilmh]

Originally Posted by Sticky Fingers

I notice from your proifile Emilmh that you're from Australia. I know there are others on this forum from Australia, so maybe they'll let you know where to get some.

yeah its a crap country

fellow aussies, any help?

[RallyRaider]

Originally Posted by emilmh

yeah its a crap country

Couldn't dissagree more...

fellow aussies, any help?

There aren't many decent hobby stores in Brisbane. Best bet is to try Hobby One in Mount Gravatt. They might have something. I know Vogler and Son in Ipswich carry some decal solutions as well.
If they can't help you then the internet is your best bet. I live in the middle of country NSW and get most of my goodies that way.