How do you place the itty-bitty decals?

[DSM-Mark]

Like, for example, wheel decals that go on the outer rim, and measure 1 mm by 2 mm. I can never get them to sit right, so I play with them trying to move them around, which is seriously difficult, and end up wasting all the adhesive moving the decal around. So then I scrap them. But it would be nice to know how you guys manage it. I'm talking about getting the placement right on small decals in tight places. Any tips?

[ales]

I use a small wet brush both to get the decal off the backing paper and to place it. can be quite fiddly at times, though. Just be patient and careful.

Alex

[flyonthewall]

Originally posted by ales
I use a small wet brush both to get the decal off the backing paper and to place it. can be quite fiddly at times, though. Just be patient and careful.

Alex

Agreed! Also a couple of little tips, if you find that adhesive has gone, place it back onto the backing you just took it off or a spare piece dipped in water. The decal will pick up more adhesive from the backing for it to stick. You could also use a decal solution to help it stick.

[CADguy]

I place a small drop of water where I want the decal to sit.

Then slide the decal of the backing paper on top of the droplet.

Then take the edge of a dry paper towel or napkin, and touch it to the edge of the water. The water will be sucked into the paper, and the decal should lay real close to where its supposed to be.

Just move it with your blade or brush to make it right.

[Chain]

Yup U wanna be safe so applying a small drop of water to the part where the decals will be place is good as you can shift the decals into its correct position.

Decals normally wont take long.
Depending on the water temperature that you use.
If you use warm to hot water, the decals will come out within 10secs.
Normal cold tap water takes about 20 to 30secs.

So from here, you can time and not put too many decals all at once. You'll see the decals floating and you dont want that to happen.

Its good to always cut the decals bigger than its normal size as you will want a border so that you can grip the decals with the backing out from the water.
Some applications require you cut the decals as close to it as possible. You have to be a judge of that yourself. If you need to, then do so, otherwise leave a small backing for you to have a grip on.

Make sure the part you are applying the decals to is horizontal. This way, your decals wont slide and stay in its position. Makes things easier.

Here's how I apply mine. Fresh from my decal applying Merc Team Teile

1)Position the part that your decal will be applied to horizontally.
2)I use hot water with added tap water.Cut decal as close to it as possible but leave some space for gripping it. I use a tweezer.
3)Put decal in water.
4)Part being applied to, if you wanna be safe, put some small droplets of water on it so that you have time and room to adjust into position.
5)Take out decal and hover over part.
6)Position decal on start point of application and lower it to the part.
7)Slide decal out with 1 hand while the other is sliding out the backing.
8)Too much water still? Use cotton buds to dab and absord excess amounts.
9)Adjust decal to correct position, now let it dry.
10)If decals is drying too fast and you find you cant move it into position, apply more water to get it unstuck and re-adjust position again.