7 replies to this topic

[gojogo]

Hi guys, I was wondering something about the Keith Marks decals, are they "slide off" the decal paper type decals (like the type that would come with a standard kit) or do they needed to be trimmed, I guess what I am trying to ask is are each individual decal raised on the decal sheet like with a revell kit or is the whole decal sheet flush with all the decals and each individual piece in need of tight trimming before you use it? I was just wondering? Thanks.

[Gregg]

I believe they are slide off, like kits, but I have not used them myself yet. I have one or two.
I will leave this up to everyone else to answer

[Steve Milberry]

They'r printed on a single sheet and you have to trim them close to the artwork ,, which you really should do even if they'r printed sepratly to get rid of excess decal film.

[Rick Schmidt]

While we're on this subject I just ordered a set from him. Anythings We should know about the sets as far as using them and such ???

[stump]

I've used a couple of them and so far, have been extremely happy.

They are all one level, and do need to be trimmed very close as Steve said.
They are also very thin, and you need to treat them carefully...I've blown a couple of smaller decals off, probably by trying to move them once on...as Dave said,
they do tend to stick well "right now"..So be careful and re-wet them if necessary before trying to reposition them.

You wont be disappointed, just go easy and take your time.

[Aaronw]

i had some issues with them wanting to stick like "right now" and not being able to move them around. i spoke with a few other modelers about it and they didn't have the same issues, so it must be my method. they are thin and fragile though so go easy on them.

Dave

Many do it yourself decal papers are very thin and require a slightly different technique. Most kit decals I've used will let you slide the decal off onto a finger, paint brush etc then place it on the kit. With many of the aftemarket decal papers used to print your own decals the film is very thin and you really need to slide the decal directly from the paper onto the kit or it will fold, roll up, tear or some other nasty thing. Many of the aftermarket decal makers are just using this same type of blank decal paper with an ALPS or similar printer, although some of the larger ones do have their decals screen printed like those in model kits. Screen printing is nice but the places I've seen that will do it require large batches (1000+) which is a bit of an investment.

I've also found if you use Future and Microsol or similar decal solution decals tend to adhere quickly. I'm back to using plain water and I only put the setting solutions on after the decal is in place.

Edited by Aaronw, 18 October 2008 - 10:42 AM.

[LoneWolf15]

quote name='gojogo' date='Aug 27 2008, 12:36 AM' post='116060']
Hi guys, I was wondering something about the Keith Marks decals, are they "slide off" the decal paper type decals (like the type that would come with a standard kit) or do they needed to be trimmed, I guess what I am trying to ask is are each individual decal raised on the decal sheet like with a revell kit or is the whole decal sheet flush with all the decals and each individual piece in need of tight trimming before you use it? I was just wondering? Thanks.
[/quote]
No such thing as a dumb question ! Check your local hobby shop for #11 surgical blades, they fit right into your Xacto knife body . Trim the decal as close as you can , they are all a one piece sheet , put it into the water , they come off fast ! Slide the decal partially onto your knife blade and place it where you want it to go . Be sure that the area you lay it on is wet ! Putting a drop of dish detergent in your decal bowl will help any decal from sticking and it will help clear off the excess glue from the decal, preventing that milky film look after it drys if not smoothed properly. Use a damp , soft , piece of tee shirt to gently press the decal in place and to dry it . Keith's decals are the best badge replacements on the market. With a little practice , you'll not want to use anything else. If it does screw up , take a small piece of scotch tape , press it on the decal and it will pull right off with no harm to the paint . You can do this with any decal ! Word of caution ... Be very careful with the surgical blades , they are beyond sharp ! They make the regular xacto blades seem like butter knives!
The Old Man

[stevehansen]

I always have Keith print me double sets, in case I screw up or double up as I did on the Camaro white nose wrap. He has done different colors for me. Note the seat trim decals, scripts, black hood bezels are Keith's. The decals are single sheet and you should trim close.


I highly recommend his stuff