Hi Stu


If you have done decals on other kits then basically the process is much the same. Get yourself a bottle of either microsol decal softner or Revell's decal softner. Both around £4 and will go a long way.

First of all draw the outline of the part your going to cover and then transfer onto the back of the carbon decal sheet but remember to mirror it as the fibre effect will be on the side that needs to be covered..

Cut out place on the part so you know it fits well.. don't worry about overhang as this will be taken care of later..

Then as other decals, submerge the decal that you have just cut out for approx 10 -15 seconfs in warm water... Note that the hotter the water the quicker the decal will come away from the backing but we want to avoid this happening... just enough for it to slide about is good.

Make sure that any dust is removed from the wing or part your putting this onto and then slide the decal pulling away the backing so that it covers like a blanket.. slow and easy ok.


Now the fun... this takes time and patience and if you have that then i would suggest testing a small cut out part on something that has raised or resesed areas so you can see how this works.

Start by dipping a good new size 1 brush into the decal soft and apply to the top of the decal you have just placed and start to move the solution around the area. If its a big area then cover as much as you can but remember that carbon fibre is done in many peaces so in effect it does not have to be uniform in looks but what you may well say "authentic" as possible.

Keep working the solution into the decal but don't push down hard, just enough to know its working.. after about 5-10 mins depending on room temp you will notice that the decal will start to go soft and this is where you need to make sure its in the correct possition and has no creases.. these can be easily removed by putting the brush under the decal and "lifting" the crease out. Carry on with the prosses until your happy with the finished product..

Leave to dry say over night..

Now to remove any excess decal from the edge or some that might have gone onto the "Silver" topside of the wing you will need either premium sanding sticks from Squadron or you wifes/partners nail pollishing file...
(this is the one that is smooth as a nats ar=e that they take sooooo long using because its ultra fine) now gentley start to file the edges of the wing so that it "cuts" through the decal giving you a nice line and finish...

To me it sounds easy but first time its nerving but practice like I said on some thing with a lot of detail so you can see what you need to do.

When it comes to the suspension, I guess its a bit easier as you can wrap the decal around the "Struts" rather than a top and bottom decal.

Shame we can't upload video's as i could do one for here.. might do one and load it upto facetube!!!

Anyway thats it Stu and anyone else reading this needs advice or help then please feel free to ask.. I've made loads and spent fortunes on mistakes but well worth it in my opinion..

PS: I would add pics of the process but its not something you can do and take breaks as you will see..

Spencer

Hi Stu

Got a new set from Heroboy.com... 1:12 Hi-Definition Composite Fiber Decals 1512 (SKU1512) = £5.21+VAT and Postage

Not seen the size of these sheets but I've used one already from a previous build.. (the revell Ferrari) so 2 sheets is best mate.. Don't want to run out if you've made a few mistakes and you will make them lol

Just order the one for now and get another later.. if you decide not to use or go ahead then your not out of pocket ... your call lol.. it's giving me plenty to do between issues mind!!!

Good luck mate and look forward to seeing how you get on.. you asked about lacquer too which I forgot to mention.. I used Halfords Clear lacquer but mast off the silver coating on the wings or any other paint as it will turn it grey... this is very important ok

Why thank you MWG.. In a state of limbo at the mo with lack of parts put been spending a lot of time trying to get the silver right before I apply it to the nose section. Had a few disasters but thats the fun of modeling.. practice, practice then practice some more lol

Will hopefully have a few more updates soon as some new stuff arrived in the post..

Spence

Once again your welcome .. as like i said in my decal post at the top of this page..i'll try to do a few "step by step" pages and do's and dont's..

Hi Warthog - great looking build & that new paint finish looks fantastic.

Can you clear up a mystery for me please - I have been modelling for years & have never heard of decal softener!
what does it do, I read your post on using it, but it doesn't really answer the basic question - why

Is it something you only need to use on those 3rd party decals, or should I be getting some for all the included water slide decals too?

Thanks & keep up the great work

Jerry

Spencer,

Thanks that clears up that mystery, I shall definitely get some on order.


Jerry

Hi Spencer, that looks really good, i used to work for a company that chrome plated plastic, been in touch and going to see what we can do[poss black chrome] as i think it would be more like the real thing then silver paint is. I take it your now going to have to re do all the work you did on the front wing ?
When i look at the carbon on your front wing it looks black, i have used black on pewter and it looks to gray to me !! which one have you used ?
Keep up the good work