You know these decals that come with some kits?? I've finished my Ultra Sport and want to use the decals that came with it. I've tried to use these things before and it looks bad because of all the bubbles..I may have dreamed it but somewhere I've heard that even tho the back of the decal is sticky and dry,to spray the surface of the plane with Windex and then put the decal on..Supposedly the Windex evaporates and leaves the decal without all the bubbles...Am I rite,or better yet how do yall do it and end up with no bubbles..Thanx..Walt

Hi Walt,

I've put dozens of decals on 1/48th scale plastic models with no bubbles. What I have always done is used a little soapy water and a cotton ball. The soapy water helps to let you position the decal where you want it, then by smoothing it out with the cotton absorbs the excess moisture and forces the bubbles out.

John

Use the windex or soapy water. Place the decal and then squeegee the water out with something like a credit card. Keep at it until the decal is nice and tight with no bubbles. Let them sit overnight before using them.

I agree with above: use a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent in about a quarter cup of water. For sqeegee, take some facial tissue and wrap it around the end of your credit card before using it.

Pilgrim

Walt,
You received the best info.
I used to work with decals 20 feet long and 7 feet high LOL.
Plus we had to peal off the backing.
These giant things went on the over the road trailers with the Company logo on them.
We used a lot of soapy water.
Keep the surface clean and you'll have a super looking application

Q-Ball,You might be careful when doing this, when you start to squeegee the decal it will have a tendency to slide around on you, especially small decals, just go easy with it. As you get most of the water out from under it, it will start to adhere more. Good luck. Dan

I just put the decal on dry. Most, if not all of the bubbles will disappear in a couple days. Faster if it can get some sun.

The pros use soapy water or Windex . You can get the positionong perfect and squeegie out the bubbles. The decals stick great and ALL the bubbles are gone.

That's exactly how the graphics guys do it . We build concept cars ,Winston Cup pace cars etc. The graphics are usually vinyl and they look great.