How to apply Dry Transfer Decals

Materials needed


-Dry decals

-Hobby knife

-Tweezers

-Masking tape

-Coin (we used a dime)



How can you tell it's a Dry Transfer Decal?


-It has 2 sheets.  A top layer and a bottom layer that feels waxy.

-IMPORTANT:  Always keep both layers together because if they come apart, your dry decal will stick to the first thing it can.  This means you will not have your decals to apply to your model.



How to Apply Dry Decals to Your Gundam Toys

-Cut out your decal with a hobby knife.  Make sure to keep the layers together to keep your decal safe from loss.

-Use tweezers to remove decal from rest of the dry transfer sheet.

-Take off the part of the model you are applying the dry transfer to (in our 1st example, we take the arm because we are applying it to the shoulder).

-Secure decal with masking tape on the top and the bottom of the decal.

-Use the coin to rub on the decal like it's a lottery ticket.  You will see a slight color change to let you know the decal has been transferred to your plastic model.

-Remove the bottom layer of masking tape to check to see if decal is all the way in place.  If it is, you can take off top layer of masking tape and check to see if it has rubbed on the model completely.  If it has, you are done.  If it has not, simply replace the masking tape and continue rubbing the decal with your coin until it is completely transferred to your plastic model kit.

How to apply waterslide decals

What you need to apply waterslide decals


  -Waterslide decal paper

  -Small medicine cup filled with water

  -Tweezers

  -Q-tip (one side wet and one side dry)

  -Toothpick (optional)


How to apply waterslide decals


  -Cut out decal with a hobby knife (this is better than using scissors because the hobby knife moves
  more easily)

  -Hold waterslide decal with tweezers under water for 5-7 seconds until there is a slight color change
  (a slightly darker blue) and it will wilt.

  -Use the wet side of the q-tip to move it off of the paper to the plastic model location that you want
  it on.

  -Once the waterslide decal is in the correct place, swith q-tip to the dry side to remove excess water
  and to secure the decal into place.


Tips to remember


  -Do not move the waterslide decal a lot because they can easily tear and are hard to repair because
  they are so small.

  -Do not spill your water

How to Apply Stickers

How to apply stickers:

1.  The parts you are applying the stickers to.
2.  Sticker sheet.
3.  Tweezers.
4.  Steady hands.

Differences between sticker sheets, water slides, and dry transfer decals
1.  Stickers have a border around the actual sticker and a blank back.
2.  Dry transfers are a see-through paper that feels waxy.
3.  Water slides are on blue paper and have writing on the back of the sheet.

How to Remove Nub Marks

3 Ways to Smooth out Nub Marks

1.  Nail Files.  Use small rocking back and forth motions.  DO NOT "Cheese-Grate"  your Gunpla.

2.  Hobby Knives.  It is best to point the knives away from you when cutting until you get used to the pressure needed to "peel"  the layers away like an onion.    Use the curved blade, especially on plastic, because it is more durable since it has more surface area than just a straight edge, which will provide a more rugged cut.  This is ION doll's preferred method to use.

3.  Sand Paper.  This is the best method to use to get things like paint to glide on easily and stay on after it is applied.  This method is very time consuming.  If this is what you want to do use 400 grit, then 600 grit, then 1000 grit progressively.  Always remember:  DO NOT Cheese-Grate your Gundam Toys.