project: Honda RA272 #7

The decals on the Honda RA272 are not very extensive, but are some what difficult to apply because they are so small.  The water slide decals supplied by Tamiya in this kit are applied using the slip method.

For the instrument panel I finished each gauge surround in chrome silver. Allowing time for the paint to fully dry, I then "slipped" the decals into position on the gauge faces and steering wheel.  Micro Sol was then applied for a painted on look.

To aid in the decal application process, you can use Microscale's Micro Set & Micro Sol.  The first step is to use some warm water to soak the water slide decal so it releases from the backing paper (I use a old snapple bottle cap).  Micro Set (blue bottle) can be used as a water alternative during the actual application process.  It should be applied with a brush directly to the surface of the model.  It allows the decal to be "slid" around the model surface so it can be positioned properly.  It dries fairly quickly, so you need to be aware that you will have a limited working time to get the decal just right.  Use reference photos and practice where you want to apply the decal while it is still dry and on its backing paper prior to starting the actual application process.

The photo above represents the RA272 further along in the build process, but shows clearly a water slide decal softening in the bottle cap.  Also in the photo you can see Microscale's decal solutions and a self closing round tip tweezer.  The tweezer is essential as it grabs the small decals allowing more accurate placement on the model surface.  The round tips on the tweezers reduce the risk of damaging the painted model and tearing the decals.

Micro Sol (red bottle) should only be used once the decal has been applied to the surface of the model and it has had some time to set in.  By set in, I mean that the decal will not move if touched.  Micro Sol essentially dissolves the decal into the surface of the model giving it a painted on look.  It is pretty essential for decals that are applied on surfaces that are uneven (raised or cavities) as it softens the decal and allows it to conform to irregular surfaces nicely.  Be extremely cautious when handling wet decals and especially when the Micro Sol has been applied, they will tear!

The bottom line with these 2 solutions is this:

Micro Set (blue bottle) is optional, as water essential provides the same function, though Micro Set does provide a little more bite so that the decal can be positioned easier.  Water tends to float the decal around the model surface a bit too much.

Micro Sol (red bottle) is essential for decals that are applied to uneven model surfaces.