Hi All,

Finally got around to putting the hl abrams decals on. However when I go to remove the top film and leave the decals 99% of the time i can't get it clean. The black isn't sticking well enough. Even if I go super slow. They small ones I can't even get off.

Are the provided decals just junk? Recommended other decals?

Thanks,

Ben

I would ASSUME they're pretty junky. From what I've seen they're pressure decals, not waterslide, correct?

I don't have a tank yet (purchasing a HL Sherman as soon as they're back in stock at Amazon) but I was going to shoot for just trying to paint all my logos and lettering by hand. I know that's not everyone's forte, however.

I did a search on Google for "abrams tank waterslide decal 1/16" and found a few decal sheets on ebay that look to be waterslide. I have seen much more success using waterslide decals over pressure/rub decals.

Yes, the "decals," really stickers, that come with HL tanks, most tanks actually, suck. Get waterslide decals. There is a set for the Abrams, but I'm not sure who makes it. Just search 1/16 Abrams decals.

If you want to use the stickers that came with the tank, apply them and burnish them down really well with a Q-tip, and then let them sit for at least a half an hour before you try to peel off the clear plastic. I've always had good results using that method.

Which would look visually appealing? Painting decals on or water slide decals?

If you can find or make stencils, paint. That's how the markings are applied on the real tanks.

I used the sticker as a stencil to put the star and circle on the front of my Sherman. I first painted the front of the transmission cover white, then applied the sticker, then shot it OD green, and then pulled the sticker and it looks pretty good.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, paint is always going to look better than any sticker or decal.

Good idea. I've also used the stickers as templates to cut stencils out of frisket paper.

Alright, thanks for the advice, I'll be practicing and expirementing before I put it on my tank

I guess i need to get an airbrush! Thanks guys!

Just came to mind, do I need to pit a protective coat when I repaint my tank, also I'm getting metal tracks, roadwheels, etc, how would you go about painting the tracks? I mean, the will be used off road and all so surely the paint would see wear and tear correct? So just clean them then repaint them?
I'm just curious about it is all.
Thank you (:

Yes, a good flat clearcoat will help protect the finish. Personally, I don't paint tracks. If they are bare metal, I use blackening solution. I just let them wear and weather naturally.

Blackening solution huh? Is that the chemical stuff that ages the metal?
Would the metal tracks rust overtime? Or just clean and maintain them after every use?
Not really interested in buying new tracks how many years later if they are going to rust ya know?

For blackening solution a lot of guys use gun bluing. Available at any gun store or sporting goods store.

Oh ok, thank you (:

I used a primer on these metal tracks four years ago. The weathering on them is natural.