I first must mention that whatever decal you're applying or whatever method you use to apply your decals, selecting the proper clearcoat to be sprayed over the top of your decal is very important. If you're using a spray can clear, use a clearcoat that's formulated for scale models ONLY! Using spray can clears found in hardware, automotive stores etc, are too harsh and will wrinkle your decals and ruin your job that you spent so much time on. You can use either laquer or enamel clearcoat such as those offered by Testor's, Model Master's, etc. With either one, spray a light tack coat on first, and let it dry thoroughly before applying the next coat. With each coat sprayed, you can lay it on wetter. BE VERY CAREFUL when using enamel clear! If you spray it on too heavy at first, it will wrinkle your decals.

Ok, with that said, now on to getting your decals ready to apply. To prepare your decals for application, the first thig to do is trim for a clean line around the decal. For some decals, it's better to fo a rough trim first, and then a finish trim to avoid bending the decal during the trimming process. To further smooth out the trim lines once the trimming is complete, use a piece of 400 grit sandpaper to sand the edges of the decal until they're smooth and blended in as desired. Now that your decal is ready to apply, mix a solution of water with a few drops of liquid dish soap. Small water slide decals can be applied using only the water solution to slide them off their backing and applied to their desired location. For large decals however, wet the area the decal is to be applied to. Then once your decal is trimmed and ready to apply, soak it in the water solution. The decal should release from the paper backing almost immediately.

For larger decals, hold the decal flush to the area where it's to be applied, and then slide the decal from the paper backing directly onto the desired area. This is important to avoid your decal from folding on you.

After your decal is applied, use a toothpick for positioning, and then a cotton suab to squeeze the water out when you have your decal where you want it. A tip here...when squeezing the water out, hold an edge of the decal with your finger tip to keep your decal from moving while wiping it with the cotton suab. After allowing the decal to sit a few minutes, take the edge of a thick paper stock to tuck your decal into door or hood crevices. This is also the time to work the decal around any corners as it is going through the drying process, using your cotton suab to work any wrinkles out. Dang that's a lot of info just to lay a decal huh?

If you're using a decal that need to be trimmed to the front wheel opening, here's some more tips for you. first trim a radius in your decal that's slightly smaller than the wheel opening. Next, apply your decal, allowing a little overlap to roll in to the wheel opening after it's applied. *Important* Do not attempt to roll the edge of your decal into your wheel opening until after the decal has thuroughly dried and set. At that point, lick the end of your finger and wetten the backside of the decal to be rolled into the wheel opening. Then roll your decal into place to finish the job. I find that a little spit is stickier than water!

The following instructions are for trimming a decal that you want to fit on a vehicle with protruding fenders such as the 40 Ford coupe shown in the pictures.

The first step is to take a piece of masking tape, and cut a radius in it that's slightly smaller than the fender line itself.

Next, place the tape against the car body, and with a toothpick or similar tool, tuck the tape in to the fender crevice to trace the fender line on to the tape.

After removing the tape from the car body, place it securely on a piece of paper, aligning the bottom edge of the tape to the bottom edge of the paper. Trace the imprint on the tape with a pencil or pen, to better visualize the imprint to be cut, then cut along the traced line. You now have your pattern for trimming your decal. Use one side of the paper and tape for 1 side of the car, and the other side of the paper for the other side of the car.

Next, take your decal and align it with your stencil in the desired location. Note that I took the rake of the decal into consideration as indicated by the arrow in the picture. It should not be flush along the bottom edge of your stencil, but rather at the angle of the bottom edge of the decal in how it should look when it's applied to the car.

Once your decal is positioned with your stencil, trace the cut line on the back side of the decal, and trim your decal to the line. Your decal is now ready to apply.

Once applied and set using a cotton swab to lay the decal flush to the car body, take the edge of a heavy paper stock to tuck your decal into any door and hood seams. From this point, you can finish the body of your car and apply a laquer clearcoat over the top.

Now you're looking good!

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