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APPLYING ALPs DECALS - General Guide.

The methods described below are for mature modelers and 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 also find it useful 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.

Pre-varnish: 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 only a small 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, for between 10 to 15 seconds depending on water temperature. If it is not completely mobile after 15 seconds, to avoid the risk of 'floating off', remove decal from water and lay it backing paper down on a dampened sheet of kitchen paper until the decal is fully mobile.  Warning: Do not try to force it!  Unless the backing paper is saturated and the film adhesive fully softened before you try to slide the decal off, it may collapse!

For that professional printed-on appearance, especially on Shapeways’, or if your model has deep paneling or engraving, 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.

Where it is necessary to wrap the decal around, for example, the leading edge of a wing, apply additional washes of Micro-set to the decal area being wrapped. Allow to soak for a few minutes and then reapply pressure with damp paper kitchen towel. Repeat as necessary until you are satisfied with the results.

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 your decal's finished appearance, allow to dry on the model for approx 20 to 30 minutes 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. Test the use of Micro-sol on a spare decal before applying to your model!

When you are finally finished all decal work, to protect the full-film decal ink (and yield a realistic finish!) it is essential to apply a thin coat(s) of 'acrylic' mat varnish or other suitable clear coat.

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

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POSTAGE AND PACKAGING

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.

Models and other bulky goods are mailed twice weekly, normally Wednesday & Friday.

Decal orders are posted next working day when payment is received before 16:00 hours. When payment is received after 16:00 hours, decals are posted within two working days. 

Typical delivery time from receipt of payment: under 3 working days in UK / 3 to 8 working days outside UK, but depending on location.

PAYMENTS

Please complete payment within 3 days of purchase.

To reduce processing time of your order, if you intend to purchase other decals, please do not pay for this item individually, but simply continue shopping using basket until your purchases are completed and then make a single payment on combined invoice.

Enjoy . . .