Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Decals GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR !

10535 views
34 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Texas
  • 2,934 posts
Posted by C&O Fan on Sunday, June 14, 2009 3:45 PM

maxman

C&O Fan

Ok guys Here's the instructions

I did every thing they say nothing more nothing less and they fell off

Twice

so now i've put them back in place and made up a thined white glue

solution and used a small amount

i just hope they don't turn cloudy or white

 

 

Just as a matter of interest, I note that several responders to this thread have suggested that the decal may have been left in the water too long, washing off all the "glue" that is needed to affix the decal to the model, or speculating that the glue was on the wrong side of the decal.  I note from reading Champs instructions that they suggest that all the glue be removed prior to applying the decal as it is not needed with the proper application of the decal setting liquid.

You are 100% correct

TerryinTexas

See my Web Site Here

http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/

 

 

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • 1,511 posts
Posted by pastorbob on Sunday, June 14, 2009 4:45 PM

Well, I am stumped and it is a long trip from Kansas City to Texas (my son lives in Dallas), so someone else will need to help you.  I don't use Champ decals, haven't for many years, but I do a large amount of decaling, since my railroad includes a fictional regional Oklahoma wheat hauling short line that connects with Santa Fe called the Oklahoma Northern.  I use MicroScale alphabet decals, I also had some custom decals made years ago by Don Manlick, plus I do a lot of Santa Fe decaling using MicroScale, Herald King and some source unidentified decals along with some OddBall decals and I am not really fussy about how much water, how clean, how dry, how wet, how long, how much decal set, and I just haven't had that problem.  But then that doesn't mean you aren't, it just means I know of no way to help you so will stay out of it.

Oh, I started decaling my own stuff in the early 1960's and have worked with some pretty rough material and the only time I had the problem was when I tried to use a decal that wasn't really a decal, then it wouldn't stick.

I am adding one last question that I thought of.  If it insults you, sorry, don't intend to do so, but it may have some bearing.  Is this the first time you have decaled anything?  Or have you decaled in the past with better results than you are getting now???????

Bob

Bob Miller http://www.atsfmodelrailroads.com/
  • Member since
    August 2004
  • 2,844 posts
Posted by dinwitty on Sunday, June 14, 2009 5:34 PM

 whether the decal can stick or not, do use solvaset, when you think its nearly dry, spray paint with a flat clear paint.

 

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • 2,844 posts
Posted by dinwitty on Sunday, June 14, 2009 6:50 PM

 

wjstix

I think the problem is he's putting down setting solution and then putting the wet decal on it. The water is diluting the setting solution. Then that's it, he's not going back and doing an application of Solvaset or other setting solution. I suspect when tries that final step he will get much better results.

 

I usually lay the decal right down, while wet. Solvaset is to drive out the water, get the decal  to lay down over rough surfaces, help "shrink" it down to seat, dissolve glue. Don't be touching the decal once set. Spray clear coat it down with a flat clear paint. 

  

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Monday, June 15, 2009 8:07 AM

C&O Fan

Ok guys Here's the instructions

I did every thing they say nothing more nothing less and they fell off

Twice

so now i've put them back in place and made up a thined white glue

solution and used a small amount

i just hope they don't turn cloudy or white

Regardless of what the directions may or may not say, it's common knowledge that after applying the decal you have to make one (or more likely, several) applications of a decal setting solution like Solvaset to make the decal stay in place and snuggle down onto the car. By missing that step you're causing yourself unneccessary trouble.

Go to the LHS, get a bottle of Solvaset, and use it. Then report back to us how it worked...and put the white glue away !! Smile

p.s. Remember Champ quit making decals years ago. They're just selling off their inventory, so the decal set you have may be 10 years old or more. Older decals like that might not stick the way a fresher one would. But still, no matter what, to get a professional looking decal job you have to apply some type of decal setting solution AFTER applying the decal. Just doing it while putting on the decal will only do so much.

Stix

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!