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Trouble with decals

H

Harry

Full Member
Joined
Aug 18, 2014
Posts
183
Location
Dunfermline
First Name
Harry
I am having lots of trouble with inkjet waterslide decals not sticking properly. They seem ok just after they are applied, but as they dry, they seem to lift off slightly so that there are lots of silvery spots under them. After trying various things, the only way I can get a reasonable result is to apply a coat of diluted nail polish, wait until it is touch dry, wet the barrel with Decal Set and then apply the decal. There is no room for error as the decal "grabs" and cannot be moved. I am putting the decals on acrylic barrels that have been polished to a good finish and everything is spotlessly clean.

I have read every article I can find on decals and watched every YouTube video.

What is really getting to me is that nobody else seems to have this problem - surely I can't be the only one!:banghead:
 
paulm

paulm

grave manibus faciendum
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Joined
Oct 7, 2013
Posts
12,046
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Sandford
First Name
Paul
I use laser printed decals and stick them to the tube prior to casting but am having problems as the cast separates from the decal creating an air pocket between the two. I'm on MK16 at the moment.
 
TK woodman

TK woodman

Graduate Member
Joined
May 12, 2014
Posts
500
Location
halifax
First Name
Tony
It seems like there is still some moisture which when drys lifts the decal - Try laying the decal then drying it very lightly with a hair dryer.
 
Jim

Jim

Grand Master
Joined
Oct 19, 2011
Posts
15,617
Harry, did you use any Clear Acrylic spray on the decal? It does help with the lifting ..
 
TK woodman

TK woodman

Graduate Member
Joined
May 12, 2014
Posts
500
Location
halifax
First Name
Tony
Harry said:
If moisture was the problem, wouldn't the hair dryer just make the decal lift faster?
Click to expand...

It's a method i've used before and has worked fine - I also cut the decal as close to the image as i can to prevent creasing around the blank.
 
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