Decals not sticking

[JonW]

On my last model, the decals did not want to stick. They were from a sheet of decal paper that I used previously with no problem. The only thing I can think of is that I got the clear on too heavy. Would this cause them not to stick?

 

[urumomo]

No , probably a contaminant atop the clear .
Or some of the decals have gone bad in a section of the film -- I've run into that on old decal sheets ; some work and others don't .

 

[the Baron]

Did you use any setting solution?
What was your clear coat? I use Future, and I also have used it to help problem decals adhere, or to fix decals that have peeled away from the model. I will just put a little bit down on the spot where the decal will go, with a paint brush.

 

[JonW]

I normally use a setting solution, but didn't this time.

 

[the Baron]

Yeah, I'm with Momo that it's more likely to be a bad decal.

 

[Mister Ed]

I've had this happen before too. I've had some success by with Micro liquid Decal solution. The trick is to paint the area where the decal is to be positioned then apply the decal atop of it. With a really wet cotton bud, wipe the excess away out from the decal as you position it in place. Once the decal is in place use a damp paper towel to lightly press the decal in place the roll out any air bubbles with a damp Q-tip. The tricky part is use just enough of the solution to make it stick without it oozing all over the place (less is more). Clean the area of any solution that has seeped out from under the decal. Then let everything dry over night before using a setting solution in stages.

The MPC (Airfix) decals in the 70's were the worst about not sticking & you had to use straight vinegar and a hammer to make them conform.

 

[jaz avalley]

Try dulcote humbrol

 

[trekriffic]

You can also mix a little white glue with warm water, brush it on and let it dry for a minute before applying the decal. Then tamp the decal down with a moist cotton swab. It always works for me.

 

[jaz avalley]

You can also mix a little white glue with warm water, brush it on and let it dry for a minute before applying the decal. Then tamp the decal down with a moist cotton swab. It always works for me.

Cheap as chips worth trying

 

[David Carman]

You can also mix a little white glue with warm water, brush it on and let it dry for a minute before applying the decal. Then tamp the decal down with a moist cotton swab. It always works for me.

Here it is, the real answer to decals lifting off matt surfaces. It does work and leaves no residue or staining!

 

[David Carman]

 

[BlackSheepTwoOneFour]

You don't need no Tacky Glue garbage. As a rule that 99% of model builders knows that decals stick best on gloss coat coat surfaces. Besides, it looks tacky looking with glossy decals on a flat coat surface. After you're done with the decal session, spray a coat of flat clearcoat over the model kit to seal in the decals.

Honestly, it's laziness one would apply decals on flat surfaces when a simple quick gloss clearcoat is best. I am well aware most aircraft colors calls out for flat coat colors, but everybody knows you can go back and spray to a flat coat surface after decal session on gloss clearcoat. What's so hard about that?

 

[urumomo]

Nonsense .
ridiculous myth .
Decals can be put down over any paint .
Never had an issue putting decals down on any flat paint , all the way to 1/35 Zimmerit .
we all know how smooth Zimmerit is .

 

[BlackSheepTwoOneFour]

Myth… maybe so…. everybody knows decals sticks best on a gloss clearcoat. Ask anybody in other forum sites. I learned that a long time ago and it makes sense. The one advantage of applying decals on gloss surface you can move and adjust the placement of decals better than on flat clearcoat surface. But hey… if it works for you.

I've done decals on flat coat and never liked how it turns out. Not to mention a few times decals tear up on me when trying to adjust the placement on a flat coat surface.