Cao Xuechun's Decal Guide

2006-4-16

At the beginning period of my modeling life, I built some AFVs and aircraft. Att he time, the decals didn’t trouble me greatly because often these types of military model doesn’t use decals but relymore on painting and weathering. As time went by, I started to broaden my interest and began building other models, including autos and motorcycles which look very attractive.


Unfortunately, in these models, the decal is not just decorative model but usually plays an important role in the model’s appearance. Initially I found the technique of applying decals a difficult skill to master. I failed many times! After learning from my fellow modellers, however, I found it’s not so difficult to make out bright and calm decal by following these steps.


Model and tools: The kit is from Tamiya’s 358976 motorcycle, which contains a large piece of decal. To build this motorcycle, you need these follow tools to deal with the decal:





Work starts: cut the decal according to the instructions, you’d better think about the turns of each parts of the decal because some parts should cover on others, or you’ll get a mass. Put the decal parts you have cut into the water. You’d better let it float on water and absorb water naturally by itself, for 2-3 seconds, but not sink it down into the water, thus will disturb you of controlling the time.

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