Quick Tips: Adding Detail and Decals Demands Artful Determination

Grab your tools and let your creativity flow… Today in art class, we’re going to learn the basics of how to make and apply waterslide decals! If you’ve always wanted to add a little pizzazz on top of your paint, these quick tips will be the perfect lesson to get you started with decals on your next mod.

1. Know what you’re working with. Not all decal paper is created equal. If you are going to print your own, you’ll want to know what kind of paper works best for your project. In the video “Difference between Inkjet & Laser Waterslide Decal Paper” SUNNYSCOPA shows you the differences between inkjet and laser printing, as well as when to use clear or white decal paper.

Go to Video: https://youtu.be/kgM3tis5CDo

2. Measure twice, cut once. SidewaysKing75’s video “'HOW TO' make water-slide decals for die-cast and model cars” provides a comprehensive primer on making and applying waterslide decals. Where he really stands out is showing the process of research, measurement and manipulating vector images used to create your own masterpiece. Plus, his recommendations to print a test copy and two final sets, allows room for inevitable human error.

Go to Video: https://youtu.be/CXARPWE7iH4

3. Sometimes, low tech is best. If you don’t have a hi-res vector image, you can follow the lowtech example of PowerPoint Scale Model Assassin and build your own light box to trace any image you need. Check out his video “How To: Create Custom Waterslide Decals (inkjet) For Models” to see how.

Go to Video: https://youtu.be/xwwvY8E6wRY

4. Start with the best surface. Want to create the perfect rally number, but don’t have white decal paper or white ink? Find your decals are coming up a little short around the edges? Try pre-painting where you plan to apply, as demonstrated by Doug Mount in “Pre-Painting 1/64 NASCAR Custom Diecast before applying waterslide decals”.

Go to Video: https://youtu.be/NxmoQeQexKE

5. Remember: wetter is better. As you learn the basics of decal application, ELP Modelling gives all sorts of tips for water slide decal application in his video “How to Apply Water Slide Decals”. These tips include: secure the car so you can use both hands, decals go onto glossier paint more easily and always keep your applicator tool wet. Check out the video for many more!

Go to Video: https://youtu.be/QNYdd3Aley8

16 | Diecast Racing Report

1. Know what you’re working with. Not all decal paper is created equal. If you are going to print your own, you’ll want to know what kind of paper works best for your project. In the video “Difference between Inkjet & Laser Watersilde Decal Paper”