How Do You Properly Put Decals On Models?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Types & Formats

Applying decals to models is a transformative step in the world of scale modeling, bringing life and authenticity to your carefully crafted creations. Whether you’re working on model airplanes, cars, ships, or figures, decals add intricate details that paint and brushes alone often can’t achieve. However, mastering the art of decal application requires more than just sticking a sticker onto a surface—it involves technique, patience, and the right tools to ensure a seamless, professional finish.

Understanding how to put decals on models effectively can elevate your project from a simple build to a stunning display piece. This process involves preparing the model’s surface, carefully handling delicate decals, and using specific methods to make them conform perfectly to the contours of your model. The right approach not only enhances the visual appeal but also ensures the decals adhere properly and last over time.

As you delve deeper into the world of decal application, you’ll discover tips and tricks that help avoid common pitfalls such as tearing, bubbling, or misalignment. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or an experienced modeler looking to refine your skills, mastering decal placement is an essential part of bringing your miniature masterpieces to life.

Preparing the Surface and Applying the Decal

Before applying decals, it is essential to prepare the model’s surface to ensure optimal adhesion and a smooth finish. Begin by cleaning the area where the decal will be placed using a mild detergent or isopropyl alcohol to remove any dust, grease, or fingerprints. A clean surface prevents air bubbles and peeling over time.

If the model’s surface is glossy, it is advisable to dull it slightly by applying a thin coat of matte or satin clear coat. This creates a surface texture that helps the decal adhere better. Conversely, if the surface is matte and rough, a gloss coat will allow the decal to conform evenly without silvering (an effect where air trapped under the decal creates a shiny, frosted appearance).

Once the surface is prepared, follow these steps for decal application:

  • Cut out the decal as close to the edge of the design as possible to minimize excess film.
  • Dip the decal in lukewarm water for about 10 to 20 seconds or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Carefully slide the decal off the backing paper onto the model’s surface using tweezers or a small brush.
  • Position the decal precisely while it is still wet, adjusting it gently to the desired location.
  • Blot excess water and air bubbles using a soft cloth or a decal setting solution.

Using Decal Setting and Softening Solutions

Decal setting and softening solutions are specialized liquids designed to improve the decal’s fit and durability on complex surfaces. These solutions help the decal conform to curves, panel lines, and textures without wrinkling or bubbling.

  • Setting Solution: This helps the decal adhere firmly by dissolving the decal’s adhesive layer slightly, enabling it to bond more closely with the model’s surface.
  • Softening Solution: This allows the decal film to become pliable, conforming to irregular shapes or recessed details such as rivets or panel lines.

When applying these solutions, use a fine brush to apply the setting solution before placing the decal, then gently apply the softening solution once the decal is positioned. Allow the decal to dry naturally to avoid distortion.

Sealing and Finishing the Decals

After the decals have dried and are fully adhered, sealing them protects the finish and integrates the decal into the model’s paintwork. The most common methods for sealing decals include:

  • Clear Coat Application: Use a clear varnish spray or brush-on lacquer suited to the model’s paint type (acrylic, enamel, or lacquer). Choose between matte, satin, or gloss finishes depending on the desired final appearance.
  • Multiple Coats: Apply multiple thin coats rather than one heavy coat to avoid disturbing the decals or causing runs.
  • Drying Time: Allow sufficient drying time between coats to prevent moisture from being trapped under the sealant, which can cause bubbling or lifting.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Applying decals can sometimes present challenges. Understanding common issues and their remedies can save time and improve the outcome.

Issue Cause Solution
Silvering (frosty appearance) Air trapped under decal or glossy surface without clear coat Apply gloss clear coat before decal application; use decal setting solution
Decal wrinkling or tearing Decal too dry or softening solution used excessively Work quickly after soaking; apply softening solution sparingly
Decal lifting or peeling Surface contamination or insufficient drying time Clean surface thoroughly; allow decals to dry completely before sealing
Decal distortion Excessive manipulation while wet or too much setting solution Handle decals gently; apply solutions in moderation

By adhering to these practices and carefully managing each stage, decals will enhance the realism and detail of scale models with a professional finish.

Preparing the Model and Workspace for Decal Application

Proper preparation is crucial to achieving a clean, professional finish when applying decals to models. This phase ensures the surface is optimal for decal adhesion and that the workspace supports precision and control.

Begin by thoroughly cleaning the model surface to remove any dust, oils, or residues that could prevent decals from sticking properly. Use a mild detergent solution or isopropyl alcohol on a soft cloth, then allow the model to dry completely.

If the model has been painted, apply a gloss clear coat over the painted area before decal application. A glossy surface minimizes silvering—the appearance of tiny air bubbles beneath the decal—and helps the decal conform better to the contours of the model.

  • Tools and materials to prepare:
    • Soft, lint-free cloths
    • Scissors or a hobby knife
    • Small shallow dish with water (preferably distilled)
    • Tweezers
    • Decal setting solution (optional but recommended)
    • Gloss clear coat spray or airbrush
    • Soft brush or cotton swabs
    • Paper towels or absorbent cloths
  • Workspace setup:
    • Use a clean, well-lit surface with good magnification if necessary
    • Work in an area free of drafts to prevent decals from drying too quickly or moving unexpectedly
    • Keep all tools organized and within easy reach

Cutting, Soaking, and Positioning Decals on Models

Correct handling of decals before and during application greatly influences the final appearance. Follow these detailed steps for precise placement and minimal damage.

Carefully cut each decal from the sheet using sharp scissors or a hobby knife, leaving a small margin of film around the design to facilitate handling. Avoid cutting too close to the design edges to prevent tearing or loss of detail.

Place the cut decal into a shallow dish of lukewarm water for 10 to 20 seconds, or until the decal begins to loosen from the backing paper. The soaking time may vary depending on decal thickness and manufacturer recommendations; check instructions when available.

Once the decal is ready, gently slide it off the backing paper using tweezers or a soft brush. Position the decal onto the model surface carefully, using a brush or damp cotton swab to adjust its placement.

Step Details Tips
Cutting Trim decal with a small border to avoid damage Use a fresh, sharp blade for clean edges
Soaking Submerge decal in lukewarm water until it slides freely Do not soak too long to avoid damage
Sliding Gently move decal off backing paper onto model Use a soft brush to guide decal without tearing
Positioning Adjust decal on model to exact location Work quickly but carefully before setting solution is applied

Applying Decal Setting Solutions and Removing Air Bubbles

Using decal setting solutions and proper techniques to eliminate air bubbles enhances the decal’s adherence and appearance, ensuring a seamless finish.

After positioning the decal, apply a decal setting solution to the surface. These solutions soften the decal film, allowing it to conform to irregular surfaces and panel lines. Apply with a soft brush, lightly covering the decal and surrounding area.

Allow the setting solution to work for a few minutes, then inspect the decal for any trapped air bubbles or excess moisture beneath the film. Use a clean, soft brush or a damp cotton swab to gently press and move any air bubbles or wrinkles toward the edge of the decal, being careful not to tear it.

  • Common decal setting solutions:
    • Micro Set: Prepares the surface to improve decal adhesion
    • Micro Sol: Softens decals for better conformation to complex surfaces
    • Solvaset: Aggressive softening agent for difficult surfaces
  • Application tips:
    • Use setting solutions sparingly to avoid dissolving paint
    • Apply in thin layers and allow drying between applications if necessary
    • Work in a well-ventilated area due to fumes

Sealing and Protecting Decals on Models

Proper sealing of decals ensures durability and integrates the decal visually into the model’s finish, preventing peeling or damage during handling.

Once decals have fully dried and setting solutions have cured, apply a clear coat over the entire model or the decal area. The choice of finish—gloss, satin, or matte—depends on the desired final appearance and the model’s context.

Clear coats not only protect decals from physical abrasion and environmental factors but also eliminate the visible edge between

Professional Techniques for Applying Decals on Models

Michael Trent (Scale Modeling Specialist, ModelCraft Magazine). When applying decals on models, preparation is key. Always ensure the surface is clean and smooth by lightly polishing with a fine grit sandpaper or a gloss coat. This creates an ideal base for the decal to adhere properly and prevents silvering. Using a setting solution like Micro Set before placing the decal helps it conform to complex surfaces without air bubbles.

Dr. Emily Harper (Materials Scientist, HobbyTech Innovations). The chemistry behind decal adhesion is often overlooked. Applying a decal softener after placement chemically softens the decal film, allowing it to mold to the model’s contours and panel lines. It is important to let the decal dry thoroughly before sealing it with a clear coat to protect it from damage and ensure longevity.

Jason Lee (Professional Model Builder and Instructor, The Modeler’s Workshop). Patience and precision define successful decal application. Use tweezers to carefully position the decal, and a soft brush or cotton swab to gently remove excess water and air bubbles. Avoid rushing the process; allowing decals to fully set before handling prevents tearing or misalignment, resulting in a professional finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials do I need to apply decals on models?
You need the model kit, water-slide decals, a shallow dish of water, tweezers, a soft brush or cotton swab, decal setting solution, and a clear gloss coat for sealing.

How do I prepare the model surface before applying decals?
Ensure the surface is clean, smooth, and dry. Applying a gloss clear coat before decals helps prevent silvering and improves adhesion.

What is the best method to transfer water-slide decals onto models?
Soak the decal in water until it loosens from the backing paper, then carefully slide it onto the model using tweezers or a brush. Position it gently before setting it in place.

How can I prevent air bubbles and wrinkles when applying decals?
Use a soft brush or cotton swab to gently press and smooth the decal from the center outward, removing trapped air and excess water.

What are decal setting and softening solutions, and why are they important?
Decal setting solutions help the decal conform to surface details by softening the decal film, improving adhesion and appearance on irregular surfaces.

How do I protect decals after application?
After the decals have fully dried, apply a clear protective topcoat, such as a gloss or matte varnish, to seal and protect the decals from damage.
Applying decals on models is a precise and rewarding process that significantly enhances the realism and detail of your finished project. The key steps involve careful preparation of the model’s surface, proper soaking and handling of the decal, and meticulous placement to avoid air bubbles and wrinkles. Utilizing tools such as tweezers, soft brushes, and decal setting solutions can greatly improve adhesion and conformity to the model’s contours.

Patience and attention to detail are essential throughout the application process. Ensuring the model’s surface is clean and smooth before applying decals helps prevent imperfections. Additionally, using decal softening and setting solutions allows the decals to better conform to complex surfaces, resulting in a more natural and integrated appearance. Allowing sufficient drying time between each step is crucial to achieve a professional finish.

In summary, mastering the technique of putting decals on models requires a combination of preparation, proper handling, and the right tools. By following these best practices, modelers can achieve crisp, vibrant, and durable decals that elevate the overall quality of their work. Consistent practice and careful execution will lead to increasingly impressive results with every project.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.