Here are some helpful hints on applying the adhesive backed decorations and water soluble decals for Faller® model kits :
There are two types of decorative sheets provided with the scale model
roller coaster and thrill ride model kits offered on our site. The most
common type feature adhesive backed decorations with a peel off paper
liner. Getting these decorations to adhere properly in place can be one
of the greatest challenges you will encounter in building your model.
In some cases, just peeling off the liner and applying the decoration
without first preparing both surfaces simply doesn’t work. This is
especially true where the application surface is uneven. When this
situation arises you will certainly want to fold the adhesive backed
decoration to fit the corresponding surface prior to removing it from
the paper liner. (Always avoid touching the adhesive backing with your
hands. Instead, use Tweezers , such as our Part# 230-500, for removal
and initial placement.) Even this preparation, however, might not
suffice. The decoration may still, frustratingly, refuse to stick in
place. For these inevitable situations we offer two possible solutions:
-
Choosing which ever you feel will work best, a flat plate, saucer or
cup, prepare a solution of about one half cup water and two drops of
dish washing liquid. Remove the liner and wet the adhesive side of the
decoration sheet with that solution using a small paint brush. Also wet the corresponding plastic parts with the
solution and apply the decoration decal to the plastic. Squeeze the
water out from beneath the decoration sheet using a roller or soft
cloth. Allow to dry thoroughly before proceeding. This technique is
especially effective, and necessary, where large decorations are
involved as it allows some movement of the decoration even after
placement.
-
Flags. Many of the model kits available on our site feature
decorative flags, often in large numbers. While, if prepared properly,
adhesive backed decorations will adhere quite well, in the case of
flags, which are folded in half to, theoretically, stick to themselves,
they may not do so with any permanence. Most or all may come unstuck, especially if not first prepared with the water/soap solution.
With flags, or when all else fails on flat surfaces, use a dot, or
dots, of Gel Super Glue , such as our Part# KG76648R, to hold the decoration
together or in place.
The second, less common type of decoration is the water soluble decal.
These decals arrive on a non-adhesive paper and require full immersion
in water to release the decal from the paper backing. Using a flat
plate or saucer and tap water, fully immerse the decal sheet and wait
several minutes. The decal is ready for application when it slides
easily on the paper backing. Again, it is best not to touch these
decals with your fingers. Using your tweezers, softly test the decal to
see if it moves freely. When it is ready for removal, lightly slide it
to edge of the paper, grab it with your tweezers and apply it to the
plastic surface. Carefully slide into place and pat very lightly with a
soft cloth or paper towel to remove excess water. Allow to dry
completely.
|
Andrew's Blog 
