Setting Decals

[thesanityassassin]

Is there any good way to set GW decals other than to cover the model in purity seal? I don't want to seal my Scars because I'm leaving the highlighting off until I've got all the models done, but I can't get them to stay on otherwise....the stupid things fall off at the slightest bump.

It's odd I know, but I haven't used a transfer at all since I started playing this game, so I don't really have any experience with them beyond a Spitfire I did when I was 10.

[Jack Shrapnel]

I've heard people using a product called microset but I've never used it myself...

only thing I've ever put a decal on was smurfs... and frankly it was as pain in the ass...

use lots of water... keep the transfer close to where you want it and slide it off using a brush... prepare to swear alot... that's what I did anyways

surprised they're falling off... I'm rather rough with my smurfs and they seem to stay on... maybe you're not soaking it enough first?

[canadianguy]

Are they old?

[voodoo]

I find using an old exactos works well in conjunction with a brush, also be sure to have a few dry lg. bristled brushes around to get the excess water away from the transfer and to set it firmly into place.

[Hizack]

The reason they might be falling off is they're old, or that you haven't used warm enough water. Don't forget to wet the surface you're putting them on a little bit either as it'll help make them stick initially until they set. Followed, once dry by a nice little spray of clear coat to ensure it stays put.

Don't forget, if you have bubbles in the transfer which is a possibility when putting them on a round surface. (Tau Hammerhead was what I put them on. Round surfaces everywhere.) That a sharp knife like an x-acto or a hobby knife is great. You just poke a hole carefully into the bubble, or even a little slit then use the wet brush to gently push it down so it will remove the bubble and sit flush.

If you need transfer sheets I've got about a dozen space marine ones, all new within the past 6 months or so. I wont be using them essentially.

[thesanityassassin]

I am completely unsure of how old the are.....which may be the problem....I got most of them from people who have had them sitting around for god knows how long....needing like 70 White Scars transfers is problematic. Also I have used cold water, I didn't realize you needed warm water.

[voodoo]

Warm does work better, also if they're old try removing them from the transfer sheet then placing a tiny drop of 50/50 white glue and water. It'll help replace the old adhesive.

[Jack Shrapnel]

or you could just freehand paint the markings...

[redshirt2375]

Sorry those transfers aren't working out for you Matt I know I had some issues when I was doing my Blood Angels, but back then they were brand new transfers that came in the AS marine boxes.

That 50/50 water/glue idea sounds like it could work well though.

[thesanityassassin]

I've freehanded bits and pieces of a couple of them to fill in tears. Worked out alright, but as for doing the whole thing, not happening. I tried a few times on a test model I had and I just can't make that lightning bolt look sane.

[Hizack]

Yeah, I know what you mean. I've tried free handing lightning bolts before including using masking tape to make it sharper edged. It looked aweful.

[thesanityassassin]

And these ones are supposed to go on a marine shoulder pad....I can't even use tape.

[Jack Shrapnel]

weathering powder.... LOTS of weathering powder!

[canadianguy]

Cast a shoulder pad?

[thesanityassassin]

there ARE metal White Scars pads I thought about getting....