Lick it then Stick it..

Decals Decals Decals..  oh how I love to hate you. They can come out looking very good but they can also take a good bit of time to get them on the miniature. Back in the day I never used them ( the inch of decal sheets in a drawer professes to that ) I would freehand most things. I never worried about vehicle numbering with Eldar but as I started playing IG and then Blood Angels they just need them to look right to me. I've seen some terrible looking decal applications and was still reluctant to use them. I went online and searched for some recommendations and came up with some solutions.

First thing I researched for were the solutions, I ended up going with Micro Set and Sol.

And I have to say they work awesome. Micro Set really helps the decal bond and keeps it wet while working. I will then use the Micro Sol to help smooth out the decal if it's on an irregular surface.

The Blood Angel decals weren't a big deal, they have a good bit of them pre-made but for the Dusk Wolves I'd want their icon on their shoulders and there was no way I was going to free hand them all. So I went with Testors Decal Paper.

It's a little pricey for 6 sheets but does work well after you get it down. You will also need to get the bonder as well. It's pretty much a clear coat for decals.

You just spray it on the decals after they are printed. I usually let it cure for at least an hour (typically longer). I want it completely set before I drop it into water.

Since I figured out what I was going to do about the X-legion colors I started printing up all the DW Decals.

A few hints for people that are just starting out with decals.

1. Don't rush. Seriously. Take your time and if the decal starts folding over on itself put it back in the water. It will usually unfold on it's own but if it doesn't place it on the tip of your finger and spread it back out with the other hand. Then press if straight onto the surface, remember to apply Micro Set (or whatever solution you are going with).
2. Decals don't need to be in the water for very long. Place it in the water then apply the Micro Set to the surface. The time it took you to do that should be enough for the decal to have lifted from the paper. Remove it from the water and slide it onto the surface.
3. A flat surface is a very simple application but if you are doing Space Marine Should Pads they are rounded. This can be a pain as you will have a lot of creases. Terminators are larger so cutting the decal in a circle around the image works well. But when I'm applying them to a power armour shoulder pad I cut them more to shape like the one below. This helps with creases but it does make it harder to apply as the points will fold over themselves very easily. I try to keep the decal very wet and use a lot of Set on the surface. (sry, pic below is a bit blurry)

4. Micro Sol softens up the decal so be careful you don't tear it. Let the decal dry a bit and then go over the decal with the Sol, work from the center out to the edges. Often it will take numerous applications to get out heavy creases. Try to get the creases out went appling if you can then dab the decal with a towel (softly or you'll move and/or tear it). Let it dry then go back. If there are still some there, wait and till dry then apply more.
5. If you are like me you will get frustrated at first. Don't expect the decal to go on right the first time. it will take time plus trial and error. Keep your calm and don't fret if you have to take the decal off. Put it back in the water and then try again.
6. Once the decal is in place and looking good (and dry) you might think you are done, you're not. Well you can be but you can make the decal look better. Using Micro Sol I'll then go back and hit the edges of the decal, this will thin it and make its edges blend in better.
7. When printing your own decals you may see some sheets say 72 dpi. NEVER use that low of a res setting, it will be grainy. I use 300 dpi which is a typical printing resolution and comes out clean. For the Testors paper select plain paper and normal quality. Always print it out on a normal sheet of paper first, screen color and printed color are not always the same and you don't want to waste the trans paper.

I think that's it .. these are just some suggestions that I think can help, they work for me. 8)

Last night I ended up just decaling mini's that needed them.. Namely the Speeder, Termies and an Asssaulty..  I'll probably have to free hand a number on the Speeder as all the numbers are white or yellow from GW and I don't have the font that GW uses for their numbers. The decals in the pics below are a bit shiny but I haven't done anything to them other then apply them. 9)

Have a good weekend !