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Part 2: Adding Decals

Applying Decals Correctly – Part 2 of the Model Building Series

Learn how to apply decals cleanly and precisely to your miniature models for a professional-looking finish. Ideal for modelers who want to enhance their figures and vehicles in 1:160, 1:120, 1:220, 1:87 and other scales. Follow this step-by-step guide from Panzer-Shop.nl.

Hello and welcome to another part of the painting process: applying decals!

To make your models look as realistic as possible, you will naturally want to add licence plates, markings, and insignia to them. In this case, we are applying the necessary decals to our MAN KAT1A1 Patriot vehicle to make it look as realistic as possible.

The steps are the same for every decal, so I will explain the process once. After that, you can simply repeat it as many times as needed.

Step 1: Selection and Preparation

The first step is to decide which decals you will be using. We offer a wide range of high-quality decals in 1:160 N scale and 1:120 TT scale, ensuring that you can find suitable markings for almost any project.

One of the advantages of these decals is their high print quality and the fact that each decal already has a cut line around it. This means you do not need to trim them with extreme precision, making the application process much easier.

Now, cut out the decals you need for the vehicle and arrange them so they are ready for use. Keeping them organized beforehand will make the application process quicker and more efficient.

Step 2: Applying the Decals

Next, take a paintbrush and dip it into Microscale Micro Set, which comes in the blue bottle. This is a special solution designed to soften the decal and help separate it from the backing paper. There are several products available for this purpose, but I always use Micro Set because it works exceptionally well and consistently delivers good results.

Once the decal has soaked long enough, carefully lift it with your brush and place it onto the model. After a short wait, the decal will begin to slide away from the backing paper, allowing you to position it precisely where it belongs on the vehicle.

Once the decal is in the correct position, allow the remaining Micro Set solution to evaporate. As it dries, the decal should adhere securely to the surface of the model.

Repeat this process for all remaining decals until the model is fully marked and detailed.

Step 3: Final Touches

The final step is to ensure that the decals look realistic and remain firmly attached to the model. Once all of the Microscale Micro Set solution has completely dried, take a clean brush and dip it into Microscale Micro Sol, which comes in the red bottle.

Using the damp brush, lightly touch the decal with a small drop of Micro Sol. A quick touch is all that is needed. This solution softens the decal further, allowing it to conform more closely to the surface details of the model and giving it a much more realistic appearance.

To complete the process, you can apply a clear coat over the model to help protect the decals and keep them securely in place.

Please note that if you have already created the windows using Microscale Kristal Klear, you should not apply a clear coat over them with an airbrush. Doing so will cause the windows to become cloudy and milky in appearance, and this effect will not disappear once it has occurred.

And that's it! Your model is now complete with all decals applied.

Thank you for following this guide. I hope you found it useful and that it helps you achieve even more realistic results with your own models.

I look forward to seeing you again in another how-to guide!

Kevin Boogaard
Founder of Panzer-Shop.nl