Review of AFT Decals
A Division of Archer Fine Transfers
Various Scales
Generic Numbers That Match
AR77042W & AR77044W
By Ray Mehlberger
Copyright 2009
MSRP: $10.95
Copyright 2009
MSRP: $10.95
This set comes in clear cello envelope, that is held shut with a folded over yellow header card and stapled shut.
The set contains the decal sheet and the instructions.
The instructions is a single-sheet, printed on one side in 5” x 7” format and folded in the center to fit the envelope.
It says the set is generic numbers This set is printed as all white numbers.
Character heights of the numbers is:
.145” (368mm)
.120” (305mm)
077” (2mm)
.039 (1mm)
The set contains the decal sheet and the instructions.
The instructions is a single-sheet, printed on one side in 5” x 7” format and folded in the center to fit the envelope.
It says the set is generic numbers This set is printed as all white numbers.
Character heights of the numbers is:
.145” (368mm)
.120” (305mm)
077” (2mm)
.039 (1mm)
Working with continuous clear film:
Prepare the surface. The model surface must be clean. Spray a light coat of gloss clear over the area to be decaled.
Cut desired decal from the sheet. These decals are printed on a continuous clear coat, each letter is NOT a separate decal, so follow this procedure:
1. Slice through clear film.
2. Clamp here (with an arrow showing where)
3. Slide part off.
Dip decal in water and wait for the decal to slide easily on the backing paper. While you are waiting for the decal to slide freely, brush some Microscale Micro Set brand , or equivalent onto the area where the decal will be placed.
Position the decal.and coax it onto the model with a small brush. Once in position, wick the excess moisture away with your brush.
Allow the decal to dry (you can speed the process with a hair dryer) and gently brush on a coat of Microscale Micro Sol, or equivalent over it.
DO NOT TOUCH the decal until it is completely dry. Setting solutions will soften the decal film to a jet-like material and help it settle down completely. Do not be alarmed if the decal wrinkles. This is normal and will disappear as the moisture dries.
Wait for the decal to dry for several hours (overnight preferred) and examine it for any trapped air. Trapped air and other voids (silvering) are easily fixed by piercing holes through the decal with a sharp sewing needle and applying more Micro Sol. Repeat if necessary.
Pro Tip: If you use lacquer based paints, airbrushing a wet coat of lacquer thinner designed for plastic models greatly improves adhesion as well as conforming to surface details like panel lines.
I wish to thank Archer Fine Transfers for this review sample.
Their address is:
Archer Fine Transfers
305 NW Railroad St.
Youngsville, NC 27596
All their products can be viewed or ordered at:
Prepare the surface. The model surface must be clean. Spray a light coat of gloss clear over the area to be decaled.
Cut desired decal from the sheet. These decals are printed on a continuous clear coat, each letter is NOT a separate decal, so follow this procedure:
1. Slice through clear film.
2. Clamp here (with an arrow showing where)
3. Slide part off.
Dip decal in water and wait for the decal to slide easily on the backing paper. While you are waiting for the decal to slide freely, brush some Microscale Micro Set brand , or equivalent onto the area where the decal will be placed.
Position the decal.and coax it onto the model with a small brush. Once in position, wick the excess moisture away with your brush.
Allow the decal to dry (you can speed the process with a hair dryer) and gently brush on a coat of Microscale Micro Sol, or equivalent over it.
DO NOT TOUCH the decal until it is completely dry. Setting solutions will soften the decal film to a jet-like material and help it settle down completely. Do not be alarmed if the decal wrinkles. This is normal and will disappear as the moisture dries.
Wait for the decal to dry for several hours (overnight preferred) and examine it for any trapped air. Trapped air and other voids (silvering) are easily fixed by piercing holes through the decal with a sharp sewing needle and applying more Micro Sol. Repeat if necessary.
Pro Tip: If you use lacquer based paints, airbrushing a wet coat of lacquer thinner designed for plastic models greatly improves adhesion as well as conforming to surface details like panel lines.
I wish to thank Archer Fine Transfers for this review sample.
Their address is:
Archer Fine Transfers
305 NW Railroad St.
Youngsville, NC 27596
All their products can be viewed or ordered at:
Highly Recommended.