Help with GW Water Transfers

[tylertt]

Hello brothers,

 

I am looking for some advice on using the GW water transfers. I am a Ultramarine player, and just can not get the Ultramarine chapter icon on the shoulder pad very well. It always comes out really glossy and just does not look right.

 

I have only been soaking it in water for about a minute or so, and use a wet brush to put it in place. I also cut out the transfers in a square, but always get these little air pockets when I apply the transfer to the shoulder pad.

 

Looking for any tips or advice people can give me to make this easier, I am having a hard time, and really want the iconograpy to be on my Marines.

 

Thanks,

[Ramell]

Micro Set and Micro Sol help a lot. Use Micro Set instead of water for applying the transfers, and then a few coats of Micro Sol to soften them so they blend in better with the model underneath. A thin coat of Lahmian Medium afterwards can help tone down the shine.

If you get air pockets, use a sharp hobby knife to carefully cut open the bubble. Combined with Micro Sol that should get rid of it.

 

Better quality transfers might also help. Forge World's transfer sheets, while expensive, are well worth the investment in my opinion.

[tylertt]

Yeah I have read that the GW ones are of lower quality then other options.

[Dam13n]

I follow this procedure and have had few issues since I started using it:

 

1 - Apply a coat of Ardcoat to the area to smooth the surface and provide a good base for the transfer.

2 - Carefully cut out the transfer, making small cuts where necessary to allow the transfer to overlap in places, thus allowing it to conform better to the curved surface, it also will allow air to escape easier and prevent air bubbles.

3 - Ensure the transfer is well soaked.

4 - Apply a small quantity of Humbrol Decalfix to the area.

5 - Apply the transfer onto the still damp area carefully in order to avoid tearing.

6 - Dab with a piece of kitchen roll (tissue paper) to remove excess fluid.

7 - Once dry you can apply more Decalfix to further soften the transfer if there are any areas that haven't conformed to the surface as well as you'd like, allowing the transfer to dry completely after each application.

8 - Once your happy with the appearance, a coat of Matt or Satin varnish (via spray can or airbrush for even coverage) will remove any residual shine from the Ardcoat and help protect the transfer.

[deathspectersgt7]

I use Micro set & sol and I trim all the access paper around the decal. Plus if you can afford the FW decal sets pick one up. The quality is far better.

[Stoic Raptor]

Lots of good advice so far - especially the use of Micro Set and Sol. I'd like to add this article which I've recommended when friends have asked this question:

http://fromthewarp.blogspot.com/2012/05/how-to-apply-waterslide-transfers.html

[averykess]

All good advice so far! 

 

For a really smooth painted-on look mask off the area and spray with a gloss varnish first.  once the decal is applied (and dried of course!) you can spray it with a matte varnish to kill the shine.

[Tyberos the Red Wake]

Gloss the shoulder beforehand. The glossier the better.

 

Apply decal. Make sure it is trimmed as closely as possible. Cut a slit down the middle of the U. This will let the decal bend and conform to the rounded pauldron.

 

Apply decal softening solution like Micro Sol.

 

Seal with gloss.

 

Kill shine with matte or satin varnish.