Carbon fiber Decals

[dvenn]

Its me again, iv just started to use scale-motorsports templated decals on my Jaguar xjr, and an finding it a bit daunting, as with a/c and armour the decal is usually a lot smaller, is there an easy way of using them without resorting to cutting them,any advice would be most welcome, as this has opened up a whole new world.
Cheers Dave

[The Hooded Claw]

Strangely i started with those self same decals.

I use thin strips of masking tape to make up the shape then i use it to create the flat shape needed to cover the part. Take a pack of the tamiya thin strip tape. Apply over the area to be CF'd. Cut to shape and then peel off. Apply to a pice of paper and slice appropriately to enable it to lie flat. Once done cut around tape and use resulting piece as a template to cut the Cf decal. Remember to get the right way around (mirro image!)

The SMS shapes are actually usually very good and quite easy to lay flat. If you struggle a very (very) sharp no 10a or 11 blade is an essential. I use Microsol/set to help lay them down in conjunction with a hot cloth to push them down into the detail.

If in doubt cut over size and work them gently with a good quality flat brush.

I must say that i usually find the Carbon Fibre pattern to be a bit gaudy so i tone it down with a light coat of Tamiya Smoke acrylic.

Hope this helps

H

[dvenn]

Many thanks for the info, i will give it a go and let you know how i get on, yes i find the sheen a bit gaudy too, so Tamiya smoke it is then.
Cheers Dave