Info, Tips, and Suggestions

Decaling Tips and Tricks:

Decaling isn't hard, but the following tips can help you get top-notch results every time. 

  • RailTrain Hobbies decal sets are intentionally dense to allow the maximum number of options per decal sheet – Optivisors or other vision magnification will help you find - and cut - the right lettering on the sheets.
  • For best results, apply a gloss coat to your model before applying decals to minimize visible film and “silvering” during application. Or better yet, use a paint that dries glossy (Scalecoat and TruColor are two good examples).
  • Use a sharp #11 blade (X-Acto or equivalent) to make clean cuts in the decal sheet and to avoid damaging adjacent artwork.
  • The decal film on RailTrain Hobbies decals is thin - this makes it easy to lay the decal down cleanly and hide the film under the final flat coat. But thin film can be tricky to handle, too - we recommend "floating" the decal off the backing and into a small puddle of water on the model. Keep the decal wet while you position it, then blot away excess water and let the decal take an initial "set" before you apply setting solution.
  • Use Microscale red-label Micro-Sol as a setting solution; it works more slowly than some others, but safely, and allows you time to safely work the decals down into the details on the model surface. Use multiple applications as needed to get the decals to lay down completely. 
  • I highly recommend the use of Tamiya scissors to closely trim away extra space around the decal: Tamiya Decal Scissors / Tamiya USA.
  • Finish your model with a flat coat after the decals are completely dry (usually overnight). Alclad clear finishes are highly recommended for their quality coverage and quick drying time, and they are available in a number of sheens from glossy to dead flat.
     

    Removing Factory Lettering

    You can use Microscale red-label Micro-Sol to remove factory lettering fom your models. The Micro-sol softens the lettering ink and allows it to release from the painted surface. To start, apply Micro-sol to the lettering you want to remove.'

    Cut a small piece of paper towel to cleanly fit over the lettering. Keep the towel saturated with Microscale Micro-Sol for 20 minutes or so.

    After soaking, you should be able to carefully remove the factory lettering using tweezers or a #17 chisel blade to “lift” the lettering off the car. You may need to re-apply Micro-sol to a few stubborn areas to remove all traces of the factory lettering. 

    Use care to not damage the paint, as the Micro-sol can cause the paint to soften. And it's always a good idea to test this approach on an inconspicuous area before proceeding. 

    Once the model is dry, apply a gloss coat before applying new decals per the standard process. 

     

    Decal Printing

    RailTrain Hobbies decals are printed from our original, print-ready art by Matt Welke at Circus City Decals. Matt and his team do good work and are very quick to respond. They’re worth talking to if you need custom decals.

     


    Circus City Decals - Waterslide Decals, Graphic Design, Hobby