Thread started by Andre_CZ

added a new photoalbum.
20 images
Messerschmitt Bf 109F-4 (Eduard 1/48) - In progress
1:48
And Marseille's bird is finished. My test of peeling off the decal film failed, I tested it on three stencils and damage...
49 4 May 2024, 20:33

Indeed a very nice result. What issues did you have on peeling the decal carrier film? I am a "peeler" and it works quite nice I have to say. Maybe I can help for next time - let me know
13 November 2024, 10:18

Thanks for your comments guys! @Thomas - I think the main problem was that the surface of the model was not "glossy" enough and the decals didn't attach entirely, when I started to peel them off I took off portions of the stencils too with the decal film. After witnessing that I abandoned the idea to peel the film off from the insignias and bigger decals. What I also read at forums is that when you apply some of the decal solutions on the Eduard decals they tend not to be that "peel-off-friendly" afterwards. Anyway, the top satin coat covered majority of the silvering issues I noticed so it's not that big of an issue anyway - I'll be experimenting with the peeling off on my next builds.
13 November 2024, 10:57

Peeling is tricky and in my opinion every modeller has to find what works best for him. I did some trials and I share my experience: 1.) Decals have to be really dry. I leave them 24h at least, better 48h to completely dry after application and I don´t use any decal setting solution - just good amount of water (I learned that e.g. Micro Sol set softens the decal very fast and if the decal is not in place and you have to manipulate it, it get´s a bit tricky when the decal is soft 2.) I cut the decal in recessed areas of e.g. panel lines and I use Decal softener (and a bit of pressure) to get them down to the surface and leave them to dry completely. 3.) Then I apply a good amount of white spirit and let the carrier film soak it up (sometimes I do that 2-3 times) and leave it for several minutes. Then I rub the carrier film off with a cotton bud (also a bit soaked in white spirit) and gentle rub with a turning motion of the cotton bud until I see the carrier film starts to get off. I prefer that rotating and pressing motion as peeling puts additional force a probably not 100% adhered decal. For me this works the best. Surface to be 100% polished is not a must, but for sure helps the adhesion and I did not see any difference in using decal softener or not. Even using Tamiya mark fit strong allowed to peel /rub the carrier film. I hope this helps to find the best approach for you
13 November 2024, 11:30

Thanks for sharing tips&tricks, Thomas! I'll test them 🙂
13 November 2024, 11:48

no worries mate! Good luck and let me know what works the best for you ...
13 November 2024, 11:57

I have a opposite experience with the decals! I can't peel them off if too dry, e.g. after 24 hours. In principle I follow the guideline on the Eduard Info magazine (can't remember the exact issue): I apply the Gunze Blue cap setting solution below the decals, I think it acts as additional glue as it looks like thinned white glue. After 8 hours drying time I use a wooden tooth stick to move a corner up and very sharp tweezers to remove the decal film at once. I my experience it does not work later as the carrier film is harder when to dry.
Once I was able to remove the carrier with that method from a decal, which was hanging "in air", not glued at all! See this pic:
Work in Progress: Sopwith Camel Comic | Album by bughunter (1:48)
So I do not use any chemicals like white spirit on top of the decal. The Gunze "glue" seems to be the key.
WIP - Sopwith Camel | Album by bughunter (1:48)
13 November 2024, 12:08

Bughunter, thanks for sharing your experience! I think Eduard posted a collection of their "tips&tricks" here: info.eduard.com/en/work-manual. This issue - info.eduard.com/en/how-to-apply-eduard-decals - is focused on working with their decals and you are right, they mention the Mr. Mark Setter solution out there, but their recommendation is to wait at least 48 hours before attempting to remove the carrier film. So I guess everyone has to develop their own method that works best for them, there are probably so many factors coming into play here (underlying paint, varnish used, decal solutions used, age of the decal etc.) that there's not one universal solution...
13 November 2024, 12:17

I also tried bughunters approach and that is true if you don't use white spirit. Without using white spirit it can be removed within 4-6 hours but I did a view damages when trying that (could be my mistake) in the end you will find the right approach for you. We could discuss this for days I guess 🤣
13 November 2024, 12:23

I found the guide I followed: Eduard-Info 5/2021 from page 52 which can be found here: info.eduard.com/en
13 November 2024, 12:23

BTW - You can even remove the carrier film with a masking tape if you are brave 😁
13 November 2024, 12:25

Bro what 💀
Is that yellow Bf109 model based on a real plane or your imagination?
(Great job regardless)
10 December 2024, 11:19

Well, looks like the AK 3G RLM79 acrylic showed to be a lot yellow-ish in the end. The varnish did brighten it to a degree too, so the conclusion I took from this build is I'll need to darken this RLM79 paint next time to achieve the more brown-ish look 😉
1 10 December 2024, 12:08