Decal Tips
Get the most out of your decals
Choosing the Right Decals
Allow for Errors
When buying decals, make sure you buy enough decals to allow for errors when applying them. Ideally, decals sets should have plenty of spares.
Bigger decals tend to be harder to apply than small ones, especially if they are to be applied over a very uneven surface.
Light Backgrounds
If you background colour is white or a light tone then most decals will show up without a problem.
Black will work very well
Coloured decals will work well
White decals may be invisible or poorly visible
Mid Backgrounds
When your background colour is neither light nor dark, you will be able to use the widest range of decals.
Black decals will work well
White decals will also work well
Coloured decals should also work but might be a little less vibrant than when applied to white or light grey (for example)
Dark Backgrounds
When your background colour is dark then you should use white ink water decal.
White decals only
Coloured ink will not show effectively
Black decals will be invisible or show poorly
Minimise Reflections
Why this happens
If air gets trapped under the transfer plastic then the decal will become reflective. This is called “Silvering”.
Prep with Gloss varnish
While it sounds counter-intuitive, apply a coat of a gloss varnish to the surface before you apply the transfers. Gloss varnish surfaces are very flat – this helps the decal lie flat without air underneath them.
Use a Decal “Fixer”
Apply a decal fixer like Microset to the surface before applying the decal on top of it. This helps the decal stick to the surface.
Gently squish out any excess liquid from under the decal and leave it for 5 to 10 minutes.
Use a Decal “Softener”
This is especially useful if applying to rough surfaces. A softener will make the decal soft and mould itself to the underlying surface, like panel lines or whatever.
Apply and leave for 10 minutes, and then review and add further applications as required. Avoid putting pressure on the decal.
Once done, leave the decal for an hour or two.
Blending and Obfuscation
Avoid Straight Cuts
It’s easier to obfuscate decals if you try and avoid too many straight lines when cutting out your decals.
Your eyes will spot straight lines of the plastic much more easily
General Tips
Keep away from water!
Be careful to keep your decal sheets away from water – it’s very easy to leave them some spilled water and have then ruined.