Water Slide Decals – Scott Pandorf

Preparation

Tools
- Water – use distilled water (steamed water) with no minerals.
- Soft bristle brush(es)
- Scissors
- Tweezers
Surface Prep
- Clean surface (wash with Dawn to remove oils, etc.)
- Pledge Floor Gloss (used to be Future or Pledge Floor Care) – spray or brush
Setting Solutions
- Microset – Microscale – Least aggressive surface prep
- Microsol – Microscale – causes decal to drape, be careful not to pool
- Solvaset – Walthers – Most Aggressive, be careful not to pool
Restore Old Decals
- Liquid Decal Film – Microscale – keep from fragmenting

Prepare your surface.
- Make sure it is glossy and free of oil, dust or dirt (fingerprints included).
Cut your decals close to the edge (if not Microscale).
Drop the decal in the distilled water until the paper backing is wet (decal uncurls).
Place wet decal on paper towel.
Place a small puddie of Microset on the model in the location where the decal will go.
Slide the decal off the backing onto the model (in the puddle from step 5).
Use the edge of a paper towel to soak up excess Microset (do not dry the decal).
Make sure the decal is properly positioned then set the piece aside.
After a few minutes have passed (but before the decal has dried) load the brush with Microsol
and allow capillary action to draw the Microsol into the decal. Do not let it puddle!
Repeat as necessary to get decal to snuggle into the contours of the model.
If more aggressive setting solution is necessary, use Solvaset.
If the decal dries and there are bubbles use a sharp knife or razor to slice the decal and
reapply Microset/Solvaset.
Clearcoat or dullcoat the model after the decals have dried.