T34 engine trouble #11

Decals

Just a quick update, to explain how I attach the decals. The decals used are the Zvezda-kit supplied decals … I was going to add a simple number, but went with the text to add more contrast to the monotone base green colour.
I spray “Johnson – Klar polish” (called Klear outside Sweden) straight from the bottle to act as a gloss coat. I’ve used this for years, and as it never lets me down, I don’t feel the need to change to more fashionable gloss coats. I let this dry over night. The next evening I attach the decals using Microset and Microsol. I paint on the Microset and place the decal on top, and use a cotton top … starting from the middle, push out the excess liquid and air from underneath the decal. When this done I brush over with Microsol to ensure the decal sets permanently. The decal may wrinkle at the edges, but this is normal. I usually add more Microsol to ensure it dries back in its proper position again. Again, let this dry overnight, and on the third day, I spray again with Johnson’s Klar, to seal the set decals.

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To some this might seem like overkill, but getting the decals right can make or break your finished model. No matter how much work you do on a model, “silvering” or lifting decals will take away from the finished article. I’ve used this system for about five years without it ever letting me down. In most instances … when the decals are nice and thin … it even looks like the markings are painted on. You will also notice that the two coats of Johnsons Klar have also darkened the base coat considerably and started the process of tying the previous steps into a united base coat, still allowing the details to be clearly visible.