This tip covers how to apply the tiny decals for both 1/350 and 1/700 Air Wing Decal Sets that are available in the store. Due to the decals being printed on single layer film decal paper each decal must be trimmed individually. The below is how I suggest you apply the decals.
To start off you will need the following tools:
- Cutting/wetting surface – I recommend a piece of glass on top of a grid.
- A small paint brush. I use an 0/5 brush.
- A hobby knife to aid in trimming
- I have three different size scissors for trimming the decals.
- A decal setting solution (I use Microscale Micro Set)
- Cotton swabs
The first thing to do is to trim each decal for the aircraft. I trim the decals and then I typical use the brush to place a drop of warm water on the decal.
Once the decal has released from the paper I use the brush to coat the area on the aircraft with the Micro Set. Then carefully lift the decal off the paper and place into position.
The decal is then pressed down using a slightly damp cotton swab to remove the excess water/solution from under the decal. If the decal is wrapping over an edge or on a curved surface you can add a drop of setting solution. Since the decals are such a small size there is no need to use and stronger decal solvents.
After the decals have dried they can be covered with a clear top coat (matte or gloss) .
DECAL NOTES
Since these are scaled down from the 1/350 scale there are many decals that are extremely small (Example the numbers on the top of the tail, topside of the flaps, and squadron logos on the aircraft). Many may consider these too small to use. It is up to the modeler if they want to use these or not. I have tested these decals on Trumpeter 1/700 aircraft to assure they are sized correctly. Since many 1/700 aircraft carrier sets provide aircraft I do not know how accurate the kit aircraft are compared to the Trumpeter aircraft I used. Trimming these will require small scissors and a hobby knife. A magnifying visor will also help.
CAUTIONS
The only caution I have is the use of decal solvents. I have used Microscale Decal set and this works fine. However Microscale Decal Solvent (or any strong decal solvent) is NOT recommended. The stronger solvents soften the decal film to adhere the surface. They tend to shrink the decal slightly. Since these are already extremely small decals they tend to shrink too much especially on the tail decals. Also they tend to react to the ink used to print the decals and cause them to fade or lose resolution.
Happy Modeling!