Well that's an awful lot of questions to answer in 40 words Norm! Only 25 words left now...
For using decals on roman shields I did some experimenting with the following method:
- Design desired pattern at desired size on PC. Fancy drawing program will do, but I simply used the graphics tool of microsoft Powerpoint:lol: Just draw the pattern, and leave the background transparent.
- Buy some clear decal sheet at a model shop. A well-stocked one targeted at model airplane builders ususally has something. If I find the link where I got mine, I'll post it.
- Print the design on the decal sheet using a laser printer. Your boss will be happy to support this activity. If not, stay late at work for once. Select for high resolution. Do not use an inkjet printer. Without additional protection the design will smear when using water...which is hard to avoid with waterslide decals....
- Paint the base colour of the shield, including the desired colour transient.
- Gloss coat the base!
- After printing, cut the decal to a size slightly smaller than the shield, soak in in water and apply as any other waterslide decal. You may want to use Micro Set and Micro Sol solutions for this, but this is not absolutely required in most cases. Avoid air bubbles and dust below the decal.
- Let dry and apply another gloss coat, preferably using an airbrush.
- Apply a matt coat.
- Finish details with a fine brush. In the extreme case, you can use the decal just as a guide for the brush painting.
- An awful lot of work, so I now prefer straightforward brush painting! :lol:
I hope this is of help.
Cheers,
Adrian
