90mm decals (Use of)

[Normo]

Hi Gang
Not being a very good freehand painter I have put out a request to find some decals for a future project.
To which I have some good feedback to solve my problem, thanks to you guys

Then a thought crossed my mind about the use of decals on figures, I know the AFV gang and also the aircraft builders would swear by the use of decals, but what about us figure painters?

A few years ago I used some decals on one of my figures, posted it here, and got some "flak" from a couple of members!

Where do you guys stand on this? It will be interesting to hear your comments

Cheers

John

 

[Alex]

You paint for yourself so I have no problem with that.
However, for me the fun is in painting and improving myself that's why I will never use them personally.
You can paint any freehand better than any decals.. Just takes a lot of time to master the technique (which I haven't yet completely)

 

[ranchhand]

its the finished product that matters. I did a tank once where people couldnt figure out if i used decals or painted them:
http://planetarmor.com/forums/showpost.php?p=99646&postcount=47
I won several first places with it, and gold at the amps nationals. How you get to the finished product should not matter, if it's well done!

 

[hypertex]

I agree with ranchhand. If done well, decals will look painted on. If done poorly, the decals will be frosty or the decal paper will be visible. Personally, I have difficulty applying decals, and I certainly don't get results like ranchhand. I have so much trouble with decals that I sometimes think it would be easier to freehand it.

My point is, applying decals well also takes skill. Just don't ask me for advice--I haven't figured them out yet!

 

[ranchhand]

if you need any tips i can help out!
I use future to prep the surface
water to place the decal on the surface
then use solvaset to get the decal to snuggle into the future. once you put a bit of solvaset on don't touch the decal! it may get a bit wrinkly but just leave it alone!
next day if the decal looks good (conforms to surface, no bubbles, etc) I then mist it with a light coat of future to help blend it in.

the next trick is to do your weathering, chipping, filters, washes, etc this will help blend the decals into the overall model.

so:
paint
decals
weathering

in that order.

for figures I am still working out how i am going to do it, since acrylic is already translucent doing a bit of shadowing on top of the decal should blend it in. I have some tattoo decals i want to try out, ill post my results