Sabre Flyer Posted February 15, 2018 Share Posted February 15, 2018 I am building a WW1 type with Solartex covering and was thinking the roundals lettering etc. I know decals have come a long way in terms of quality recently going by the foamies I have had and wondered if there are good quality decals that look the part available for larger airframes? Or should I go the paint route? I have had some success painting on to text but did find it difficult and relatively expensive. Will go electric so not fuel proofing. Any thoughts to help me decide are gratefully received Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Green Posted February 15, 2018 Share Posted February 15, 2018 Give Tim a try at modelmarkings.com Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onetenor Posted February 15, 2018 Share Posted February 15, 2018 If it helps I believe Decals are lighter than paint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted February 15, 2018 Share Posted February 15, 2018 Sabre, model marking can also supply masks, the eqivilent of circular masking tape. Then you can do the job with a paint brush. Don't scrub the paint under the edge. Light coats. You may well find that ordering two sets of masks is nowhere near twice the money. Practice off model, less stress. And if when painting say red over white, and the red is bleeding under the mask, if you put white on first, the bleed is white on white, (invisible), but this seals it, and then do red it does not bleed. But not necessary with a good artists quality brush, care, and light coats. But bottom line, painted on looks right, that was how it was done.. A decal is a decal. Expense yes, but the paints from HobbyKing are very good, and three pots will do roundels til you die. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Stainforth Posted February 15, 2018 Share Posted February 15, 2018 Don, Neat tip re preventing bleeding! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabre Flyer Posted February 16, 2018 Author Share Posted February 16, 2018 Thanks for the replies. I am still undecided but there is a nagging voice saying I should try to paint. I will have a look into it for a bit. At least I know there are some good quality decals if I decide to go that route. I was thinking I would use Humbrol acrylics on the tex? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Wright Stuff Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 Sabre, I would recommend you use enamels rather than acrylics, TBH. It's harder wearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 But being a cynic, I reckon, if you wear out acrylic, that is a very old model aircraft. And water based. Edited By Don Fry on 16/02/2018 18:22:11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silver Wolf Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 Sabre, A lot will depend on the size of model. I used decal on my flair Legionnaire, more than adequate although not overly pretty. If i had not wanted to get the model into the air quite so quick then would have considered painting. At 2m or more it makes little difference. However it all depends on what sort of model you want. I have started to experiment with silk over tissue, very rewarding but a lot of work. What ever you decide just enjoy. Regards SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Lighten Posted February 16, 2018 Share Posted February 16, 2018 Hand painting rounders is not as difficult as you might think Use a compass like this (loads on fleabay, you can get a whole set for a few quid) the paint line created acts like a dam and is easy to paint up to. Use a bit of scrap ply at the centre of the rounded to protect the surface. I used normal household paint in tester pots from B & Q that work a treat. Practice on a bit of card first to get the ‘feel’ for it Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sabre Flyer Posted February 17, 2018 Author Share Posted February 17, 2018 Steady on chaps, all those great hints and tips are making it difficult to not give paint a go! Silver Wolf - that looks a good finish but I will take your word for it and take it as another vote for paint. Forgotten about B&Q tester paints, are they good on text? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Lighten Posted February 17, 2018 Share Posted February 17, 2018 Should be OK, on RCscalebuilder.com lots of builders use it on their 1/4 scale models with excellent results, I’ve used it on smaller electric models covered with Litespan Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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