Article in MR about using decal film as 'paint'

[Anonymous]

Was there ever an article published in MR (or RMC or any other modeling mag) that described applying home-printed decal film instead of spray paint for locos/rolling stock with 'challenging' paint schemes? I'm tempted to try that, because I can't seem to prevent that infuriating capillary action that sucks the paint up under the masking tape, no matter how firmly I press it down.

[Anonymous]

use fine line tape to help prevent cap. action

[jsoderq]

After the tape, spray a thin clear coat before the second color to seal the edges of the tape.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about MR but Mainline Modeler had an article about painting an N&W "Skunk" experimental paint scheme. Used Microscale White Film as the stripe around the locomotive. I used this method and it worked very well. I did have to touch up the white decal a little bit where it went over details and tore with white paint.

Rick

[Anonymous]

Applying large areas of decal film can be just as much a problem as painting problems. All of the details on a model have to be covered by the film, with the possibility of cracking of the film, air bubbles, etc. Lots of problems! I recently completed a specially decorated 50' boxcar that had very big graphics, and it was a real problem trying to get the film to settle down around the details. In the end I had to touch up the areas where the film tore away.

Bob Boudreau

Bob Boudreau