Albeback52 Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Apologies if this isn't strictly the right place for this topic but, has anyone else experienced problems with the decals on recent airfix releases? Specifically, their tendency to part company from the model even AFTER normal surface preparation/decal treatment/varnish? I have just finished a pair of N M finished USAF F-86s - some of the decals are peeling off already. Same problem with the MiG 15 kits (all 3 versions) also, the JU-52 & Avro Vulcan. I thought Airfix had put things right after the appalling decals that came with the Nimrod but, maybe I'm wrong? . After 40+ years of modelling, I think I know a few tricks about decalling so, I don't think it's me. Very frustrating to say the least Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tangerine_sedge Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Apologies if this isn't strictly the right place for this topic but, has anyone else experienced problems with the decals on recent airfix releases? Specifically, their tendency to part company from the model even AFTER normal surface preparation/decal treatment/varnish?I have just finished a pair of N M finished USAF F-86s - some of the decals are peeling off already. Same problem with the MiG 15 kits (all 3 versions) also, the JU-52 & Avro Vulcan. I thought Airfix had put things right after the appalling decals that came with the Nimrod but, maybe I'm wrong? . After 40+ years of modelling, I think I know a few tricks about decalling so, I don't think it's me. Very frustrating to say the least I haven't been having any problems with recent Airfix releases, the current decals are the best that Airfix have ever produced (imho). I don't tend to do anything too clever though : just warm water and patting them down with kitchen roll to dry them off. I tend to use Humbrol enamels, perhaps it's some paint/decal conflict? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albeback52 Posted March 25, 2012 Author Share Posted March 25, 2012 I haven't been having any problems with recent Airfix releases, the current decals are the best that Airfix have ever produced (imho). I don't tend to do anything too clever though : just warm water and patting them down with kitchen roll to dry them off. I tend to use Humbrol enamels, perhaps it's some paint/decal conflict? Funnily enough, I had NO problems with the RAF decals on my 3rd F-86. However, all of the models have been painted exclusively using acrylic paints!! Maybe I'm just unlucky. I've also been using Vallejo acrylic matt varnish recently (on all of the affected models). Water based. You may be right - I wonder if that is causing problems by affecting adhesion? Certainly, I never had any bother with Humbrol acrylic varnish. Thanks for the reply Allan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfqweofekwpeweiop4 Posted March 25, 2012 Share Posted March 25, 2012 Apologies if this isn't strictly the right place for this topic but, has anyone else experienced problems with the decals on recent airfix releases? Specifically, their tendency to part company from the model even AFTER normal surface preparation/decal treatment/varnish?I have just finished a pair of N M finished USAF F-86s - some of the decals are peeling off already. Same problem with the MiG 15 kits (all 3 versions) also, the JU-52 & Avro Vulcan. I thought Airfix had put things right after the appalling decals that came with the Nimrod but, maybe I'm wrong? . After 40+ years of modelling, I think I know a few tricks about decalling so, I don't think it's me. Very frustrating to say the least No problems apart from the horrid Nimrod decals you've mentioned. Both USAF Sabre's I made were fine as was the Italian one and RAF one I've just made. I've built many of the new tool Spitfires with no decal faults, same goes for a pair of 1/48 Spitfires too. I'm using a mix of Vallejo and Xtracrylix for most things and I've been using Vallejo varnishes (more lately Alclad varnishes) and micro sol/set. I don't therefore think it's anything to do with the acrylic paints. thanks Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMChladek Posted March 27, 2012 Share Posted March 27, 2012 Funnily enough, I had NO problems with the RAF decals on my 3rd F-86. However, all of the models have been painted exclusively using acrylic paints!! Maybe I'm just unlucky. I've also been using Vallejo acrylic matt varnish recently (on all of the affected models). Water based. You may be right - I wonder if that is causing problems by affecting adhesion? Certainly, I never had any bother with Humbrol acrylic varnish.Thanks for the reply Allan Are you applying the matt varnish before the decals or after? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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