Applying Alps Decals
APPLYING YOUR ALPS DECALS
Instructions reproduced with permission by Don Wills donwills@vodafone.net.nz
BEFORE YOU START
Decals should be applied to a Gloss surface. If you have Matt or Semi-Gloss, then paint on Clear Gloss in the area where you will apply the decal.
THE 10 STEPS TO DECALING SUCCESSFULLY
1. Prepare an area to do the decaling, with the materials needed including a saucer of warm water.
2. Cut out the decal with scissors, not a straight edge and razor knife. The ALPS decals are more “soft” than regular silk-screened decals. While they will stand up to normal handling, the will easily scratch. Use care to ensure you do not damage your decal.
3. Wet the area on the model BEFORE sliding on the decal. Use either tepid water or Micro Set (the one with the blue label). I recommend using Microscale’s Micro Set and Micro Sol solutions. Brush the Micro Set directly on your model before sliding the decal into position.
4. DO NOT let the decal float off the backing paper as this will remove all of the adhesive from the rear of the decal or it will fold over itself and become unusable. The decal film is extremely thin. Rather, soak the decal in tepid water for about 5 seconds, then remove it and allow it to sit for 45 seconds before trying to slide it off the backing paper.
5. Pick up the decal with self-locking tweezers. Get it in position over the model. Hold the decal in place with either your finger or a soft brush, then pull away the backing paper letting the decal gently drop into place.
6. Adjust the decal position with a soft brush; apply more water or Micro Set if the decal is hard to move around. “Normal” decal setting solutions can be used with these decals. . After you slide the decal into position, soak up the excess liquid with either a cotton bud or soft tissue and apply a thin coat of Micro Sol (the solvent) this softens the decal. Once the decal is in position, let it dry on its own, DO NOT PLAY WITH IT unless it is in the wrong position. The chances of ripping the decal at this stage are great, so correct placing is very important. After this coat dries, and you are certain the decal is in its final position, apply a second heavier coat of Micro Sol. For really stubborn areas where the decal is not adhering to the model, you may apply a very light coat of Walthers Solvaset, but use caution as this is a very strong solvent and will “liquefy” the decal until it dries.
7. After the decal is dry and you are sure it is in the right position, then apply your decal solvent of choice: Micro Sol or Solvaset.
8. Do not touch the decal until it is dry, as the ink is wet and will smear which will ruin the decal.
9. Once the decal is dry, clean up any residue with a cotton tip (swab) soaked with water and a mild dish detergent.
10. Apply your clear coat of choice to seal the decal. Do not skip this step!!! This is critical. Clear coating your model after applying these decals is a must! I repeat, this is a must. The clear coat will seal your decal and prevent it from becoming damaged. DO NOT BRUSH ON ANY CLEAR LACQUER over these decals, as they will instantly dissolve. Airbrush lacquers only in very light, misting coats. Another method to clear coat the decal is to use Future acrylic floor polish.
Your decals have been printed on very high quality fresh decal paper. All decals have three coats: undercoat, topcoat and finish coat.
Regards Don Wills
East Oxford Model Railway Co Ltd
Ph: (021)152 2836
Email: donwills@vodafone.net.nz
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