[Hallicrafters] Decaling supplies

[Mike Everette]

Walthers Solvaset and Champ Decal-Set can be ordered
on line from model railroad suppliers.  If you live in
an area where there's a full line hobby store, they
probably stock; but if not they can order it.  

I should have said earlier, Solvaset is rather strong.
 If you're using thin-film decals, you probably would
be better off using Decal-Set; and as I mentioned,
Decal-Set is a bit more tolerant of mistakes.

What you are trying to do, is in essence "dissolve"
the clear film (not really, but that's the overall
effect) and make the decal actually become part of the
finish on the panel, which is pretty much the "look"
of silkscreen.

The procedure I described before is borne of a lot of
experience decaling 1/48 and 1/72 scale aircraft (1/72
uses tiny decals), and not a few HO scale train items
(also tiny decals).  It works.  A radio panel is dip
simple by comparision.  I have done 'em one letter at
a time, per control, when I couldn't find the decals I
needed.  (drive you clean outta your mind, but it can
be done)

To amplify what I described earlier:

You need to get the decal positioned WHERE YOU WANT
IT, using water only -- and a moist surface, not
sloppy wet -- FIRST.  If it doesn't slide to where you
want it, add a little more water around the edges of
the decal and let it "leach" underneath by capillary
action before tyring to move it.  Otherwise, the decal
will probably tear.

If it tears, you can -- if you are patient (see below)
-- line the pieces back up.  GO SLOW.

Be gentle with the decal, when it's wet.  Small
brushes and perhaps a toothpick work wonders.  DON'T
use your fumble-fingers.

Be sure the decal's straight, square etc BEFORE you
apply the setting solution.  Once the setting solution
goes to work, you are past the point of no return,
pretty much.

When applying solution, don't put enough solution on
the decal to "float" it out of position.  

GO SLOW.

Keep the panel surface flat, facing up of course, as
you work.

If you do get too much, wick it away with a Q-tip.

Above all, DO NOT TOUCH the decal while it's "real
wet."  You will likely ruin it.  Let it settle down
some before tyring to smooth it out or blot it.

P-A-T-I-E-N-C-E.  If you do not have it, learn it.

I hate to be blunt, but without patience, you have no
business trying this process.  There is no way to rush
this, if you want it to look right.  Patience yields
its own rewards.

Doing a full panel might take a couple of days.  If
you try to do too many decals at once you run a real
risk of your fingers getting involved with something
they shouldn't touch yet!  Beware.

And, ALWAYS buy at least two sets of decals.  If you
mess one up, you have a spare, and have hopefully
learned from the error you made.

The good news is, this isn't rocket science.

Good luck!

73

Mike
WA4DLF




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