By Alfredo Tolosa (IPMS Alto Valle)
Versión en Español

Silvering

In order to reduce to a minimum the “silvering" of the decals is recommendable to completely paint the model with gloss varnish, some does that it in the zones where go the decals, but this can cause subtle tones changes of the model’s final colors. After the varnish is dry and placed the decals and the solvents, if being necessary, varnish again in gloss; just after drought this last layer will be able to give the definitive final coat, in matt or satin, or to leave it if the completion of the model is gloss.

Folded decals

Sooner or later we will have a decal that will insist on folding on itself when we are going to place it. Is something that happens invariably to all and each one. When this happens (not "if", but "when"), not aterre. Everything is not lost. Use a small brush submerged in water and taken care of we will be able to separate it. In severe cases, for example when one narrow and release decal is able to fold totally on itself, is going to clear it and begin again. If this happens uses a small brush to place it under an end of the transfer and push up totally of the model. Put it in the container with water and must be straightened outwards by itself. If it does not, use a toothpick or a brush to stretch it while it is in the water. If we were able to place the support paper below it, better. If it does not, try to place the decal upwards using a brush or toothpick (does not use the clamps) and put it in the model again. The decals that have catched air bubbles underneath are quite easy to fix. Cause the breakage of the bubble with a needle, and soon paints it with MicroSol. If the hole is very visible, paint a point on it.

Wrinkles

The wrinkled granaries are frequently repairable, but not always is easy. Sometimes making a cut with a scalpel in the folds will allow that it is flattened, but other times it is necessary to cut out a piece of decal. In any case the folds will be probably visible. Nevertheless, several MicroSol coats can help to reduce to the minimum the visibility of the damage.

Complex curves

In extremely curved surfaces of the model can seem impossible to be able to put a decal, but if shrinks completely in MicroSol and the solvents will surprise us. They will push downwards the decals in curves and very unequal surfaces, to make them smooth and as if they were painted at the eye. It can have to give several coats until obtain that the decal is satisfied correctly and can be left some air bubbles underneath catched, but if we never have used these solvents will see surprised in which they can do.

Stick

It can also happen to find a tip of a decal that does not stick correctly to the model and that does not react to the solvents. If this happens, mix a small amount of white glue with a little water, so that it has the consistency of a very fine paint. Use a small brush to place a little of the the glue underneath the decal, and must then stick correctly. Some modeler´s gloss varnishes also can be used for this.