I printed some decals on white decal paper to use for making my police cars. I made a border around the artwork that more closely matches the car they're going on so they blend in better. The problem I am having is that the white decal paper is showing around the edges in places. Not everywhere, but in random places around about half the decal. Any suggestions?
Applied or not yet applied? (My knowledge is limited to when I did modeling and the last time was 1982, so it has been a while) If the decals are the same (emulsion type) then I would cut them with new exacto, or very good small scissors. (if applied, not sure how to fix that) I used to do that, on the decals that had way too much clear "border", since it had some sheen and was noticeable on flat painted aircraft (most military aircraft). If I no longer am relevant, or know what the hell I am talking about, just tell me. I am used to it, and will sulk off to the corner where the dusty dinosaur bone exhibits are.
When we make decals in our sign shop, we include what's called a "bleed" around the perimeter. Basically the color goes past the cut line so that if the cut is a little off, it's still in the correct color.
This is what I am talking about. The white edges of the decal show, even though I've cut them close and there is plenty of the blue "bleed" left on the decal sheet. I've tried with Tamiya scissors and a new Xacto blade, but the results are the same. I've been doing some research and it says to clear the decal 3 times, drying in between. I only cleared it once. Could that be the problem?
I am thinking that the dye is breaking away from the backing when it is cut. Might be that the cut needs to be made with a very sharp razor at an angle (hold blade inclined away from the decal) Decal _____/ Blade So that the backing is not revealed. But, I am just guessing from the image.
Is it the white showing or what modelers call "silvering" . Where the edge of the decal isn't stuck down to the model. Are you using a decal setting solution?
No, it's not silvering. I'm using Micro Set and it seems to work fine. I've come up with a solution that seems to be working so far. I cut the decal out, with some room to spare, with scissors. Then I take my Xacto knife and cut as close to the actual decal as possible, but only cutting thru the film of the decal and not the backing. This seems to eliminate the tearing that was causing the white backing to show.
Most likely a very fine sliver of the white will show regardless of what you do, because you printed the artwork on white decal film. It will be minimal in areas where the blue top colour does not chip. Clear coating the decal will help hide the ridge at the edge of , but it will not hide the white.
