Post by duffer on Mar 29, 2023 20:13:40 GMT
Right, just supposing someone does want to know how the decals should go on, this may not be it, but it is how I do em. So to begin with, this is what I want it to look like -
With the tank painted, it needs a gentle rub with scotch brite. It then needs degreasing and wiping off with a tack cloth in just the same way you would prepare for paint. That bit if dust under a decal will truly piss you off for ever. Now it all needs marking out, no sticking yet !
I find that the rear bottom edge of the decal should line up with the top of the tank rear bracket. The front should be about 20mm up from the bend line at the bottom of the tank. I then stick it in place with masking tape without taking the backing off. When you are happy with how it looks, then add "marker tabs".
Now the fun bit. Sticking the bastard down ! I do it dry, and don't try to do it all in one go... A bit at a time is best. First, set yourself up comfortably. I tip the tank on one side a bit and use a small chair to get to eye level. Remove only part of the backing, and carefully line up only the bottom edge with your markers. Stick only the bottom edge whilst checking that the half with the backing still on will line up as planned. Gently push up the rest of the decal taking care to lay it flat with no bubbles. Circular motion and a dry cloth seems best. Then remove the other half of the backing and do the same. The hard part is going around the bend at the front, so go slowly. You can peel it back off if only lightly applied, but any more than that and it's buggered.
;
Now it is all stuck down it is time to peel off the top. An excellent opportunity to screw it up again ! Do NOT rip it off. SLOWLY peel it back while keeping the top level with the final decal. Pulling it at 90 degrees may lift it from the tank.
Now it should look a bit like this. With both sides done and the the helmet decal if you want it, it is ready for that last coat of clear gloss.
Nuthin to it...
With the tank painted, it needs a gentle rub with scotch brite. It then needs degreasing and wiping off with a tack cloth in just the same way you would prepare for paint. That bit if dust under a decal will truly piss you off for ever. Now it all needs marking out, no sticking yet !
I find that the rear bottom edge of the decal should line up with the top of the tank rear bracket. The front should be about 20mm up from the bend line at the bottom of the tank. I then stick it in place with masking tape without taking the backing off. When you are happy with how it looks, then add "marker tabs".
Now the fun bit. Sticking the bastard down ! I do it dry, and don't try to do it all in one go... A bit at a time is best. First, set yourself up comfortably. I tip the tank on one side a bit and use a small chair to get to eye level. Remove only part of the backing, and carefully line up only the bottom edge with your markers. Stick only the bottom edge whilst checking that the half with the backing still on will line up as planned. Gently push up the rest of the decal taking care to lay it flat with no bubbles. Circular motion and a dry cloth seems best. Then remove the other half of the backing and do the same. The hard part is going around the bend at the front, so go slowly. You can peel it back off if only lightly applied, but any more than that and it's buggered.
;
Now it is all stuck down it is time to peel off the top. An excellent opportunity to screw it up again ! Do NOT rip it off. SLOWLY peel it back while keeping the top level with the final decal. Pulling it at 90 degrees may lift it from the tank.
Now it should look a bit like this. With both sides done and the the helmet decal if you want it, it is ready for that last coat of clear gloss.
Nuthin to it...