RAIL
GRAPHICS’ easy to apply,
thin decal film is made of modern materials which have a stable
shelf life. Unused decals will last many years if stored in a cool
dry place. MODEL SURFACE PREPARATION
For the best results, decals should be applied to a glossy
surface. We have found Scalecoat and Scalecoat II paints
to be excellent,
as they dry to a glossy finish. When our decals are applied
to thus paints, the clear film virtually disappears. If you are using a flat paint such as Floquil,
it is best to wet the painted model with a clear, gloss overcoat.
Allow this overcoat to dry thoroughly (3?4 days or until the
odor of solvents disappears). Scalecoat or Scalecoat II does
not require a gloss overcoat. Again, wait until the odor of point
has disappeared before applying your decals. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply RAIL GRAPHICS decals, first cut out the decal as
close as possible to the printed material. We suggest you
use an X-acto
knife. The less clear decal film you have around the printing,
the better. Place the trimmed decal into a dish of warm
water and allow to soak until the backing paper falls off.
On larger
decals you may have to nudge the decal to get the paper
to fall off. Continue to soak the decal to dissolve any
residue glue
from the backing paper. NOTE: The glue applied to the backing
paper is used to facilitate the release of the decal film
from the paper. The glue does NOT make the decal stick
to the model. SOLVENT APPLICATION
In order for the decals to nestle down over the details of the
model, one of the commercial decal solvents is recommended. We
suggest two methods for applying the solvent to the model.
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The FLOATING
METHOD floats the decal onto the solvent. Determine
where the decal is to be placed on the model and apply the solvent
with a small brush. Using a tweezers, carefully remove the decal
from the water. Run it along the edge of the dish to remove excess
water. Place the decal on the model; making sure that it is "floating" on
the solvent. This floating method will eliminate most of the
air bubbles under the decal. If you find that the decal begins
to soften too soon for you to arrange in its final position,
then we recommend the CAPILLARY METHOD. The CAPILLARY METHOD allows
the solvent to flow under the decal through capillary action.
Remove the decal from the water, as you would have using the
floating method. Place it on the model without any solvent. With
a tissue, carefully blot any excess water. Using a small brush,
apply the decal solvent to the edges of the decal. The solvent
will flow under the decal. Apply solvent to all edges to ensure
complete saturation of the decal. Regardless of which method you use, repeated
applications of Solvent may be needed to help the decal contract
wound rivets and other details. If bubbles appear under the film,
prick them with a straight pin and apply a small amount of solvent
to the area. NOTE: Do not allow large drops of solvent to sit
on the decal film. If this occurs, use the tip of a tissue to
absorb the excess. Drops of this type may cause the decal to
distort and break down the inks After decals are dry, take a water dampened
cotton swab and remove any traces of residue decal solvent
from the model. Finish off the model with a flat cover
coat. This
will hide the shine of the decal film, plus give the model
a realistic dull appearance. Weathering may be applied
to represent
the age and service of the model.
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