The methods described below are intended for mature and experienced modelers.  They are unsuitable for children.

If you have long thumb nails, trim them short before working with ALPs decals. Surface printed film ink lifts off when touched or manipulated by fingernails!

Before commencing, you may find it helpful to read the general guide in my e-bay store for applying water slide decals by clicking this link :  Decal Instructions.

The decals have been printed on full page film using an ALPS printer.  This means that decals should be closely trimmed to remove surplus film before immersing in water.

To avoid trapped air beneath any water slide decal and the resulting unsightly sheen this imparts to your model after decals dry, before commencing, apply a light coat of high gloss acrylic varnish to the model's surface and leave to dry.  

I strongly recommend the use of 'decent' small thin-bladed sharp scissors for cutting out decals. (Course or blunt scissors can leave rough edges on the backing paper/film, which can result in decal 'collapse and death' when trying to remove them from the saturated backing paper.) Cut as close to the decal artwork as possible, leaving the smallest surround of clear film.

It is essential to use 'warm' water to soften water-slide decals. Keep the water warm throughout decaling work. Only soak one decal at a time. Soak each decal for between 10 to 15 secs, depending on water temperature. If it is not completely mobile after 15 secs, to avoid the risk of it 'floating off', you can remove decal from water and lay it backing paper down on a dampened sheet of kitchen roll until it is fully mobile. Warning: unless the backing paper is fully saturated and the film adhesive fully softened before you try to slide the decal off, it may collapse!

On Shapeways' models, or if your model has deep paneling or engraving, to get each decal to fit as snugly as possible (for that professional printed-on appearance) use a decal softener such as Micro-set. Apply the Micro-set to the model's surface where the decal is to be placed and then carefully position the decal. After a few moments, using a small square of folded damp kitchen towel, apply increasing fingertip pressure to 'meld' the softened decal into the surface detail.

To avoid any confusion, using a DVD permanent marker, I number the blue Micro-set bottle and cap with a large # 1 and the red Micro-sol bottle and cap with # 2.  Micro-Clear, I mark with # 3.

To further enhance the decals appearance, allow the decals to dry on the model for approx 20 to 30 mins and then using a soft art brush, apply a quick generous wash of Micro-sol to each decal's surface. The decals may wrinkle but do not touch them! Wrinkles straighten out while the decals slowly meld to the model's surface.

Where it is necessary to apply one decal on top of another, for example an Iron Cross onto streaked camouflage, apply a thin coat of acrylic gloss varnish over the applied streaked cammo decal.  Allow to fully dry and then apply the Iron Cross decal using the Micro-set method described above.

When you have completed all decal work on your model, to protect the full-film decal paint (and yield a realistic finish!) it is essential to apply a thin coat(s) of 'acrylic' mat varnish.

Note: avoid enamel and all other spirit-based varnishes. These 'dissolve' full-film type decal paint.

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POSTAGE AND PACKING

UK only:  Postage free.

Rest of the world:  First set as per listed price.  Each additional set + £0.10

Recorded Delivery & tracking is required on all transactions valued £40.00 and over.  Please await combined invoice which will include the following:

Goods outside UK are posted via standard international Air-mail from our Cornwall depot.

All orders are posted next working day when payment is received before 14:00 hours. When payment is received after 14:00 hours, decals are posted within two working days.

Delivery time following dispatch:

UK: Typically under 3 working days.

Outside UK: Typically 5 to 8 working days, but depends on location.

MAKING PAYMENT

To reduce postage cost & processing time of your order, please do not pay for items individually with “Buy-it-Now” but use “Basket” until all purchases are complete, and then make single payment on combined invoice. Overseas buyers who cannot find Basket should log directly into e-bay.UK. To find my e-bay.UK store, simply Google: 144Direct

Please complete payment within 3 days of purchase.

Enjoy . . .