How to Apply Water Slide Decals to Gunpla

To apply a water slide decal, cut it from the sheet, soak it in clean water for about 10 to 20 seconds, then slide it off its backing onto a glossy surface brushed with setting solution. Blot the water away, let it dry completely, wash off any residue, and seal it with a top coat. Use tweezers for small ones.

Those steps come from the decal maker Microscale, whose basic instructions apply to any water slide decal, including Gunpla sheets. Bandai’s own build guide adds that small decals are easier to place with tweezers.

What you need

• The decals, cut close to the printed area.
• A shallow dish of clean water. Microscale suggests distilled water.
• Tweezers and a soft brush.
• Paper towel or tissue for blotting.
• Setting solution, such as Microscale’s Micro Set, or Mr. Hobby’s Mr. Mark Setter.
• A gloss and a matte top coat for before and after.

Step by step

1. Prepare a glossy surface. Microscale says the surface must be clean, smooth and glossy. On matte Gunpla plastic, spray a gloss top coat first.
2. Soak the decal for about 10 to 20 seconds, Microscale’s guide time, then set it on a damp paper towel until it slides on the backing paper.
3. Brush setting solution onto the spot first. Microscale says this helps the decal avoid silvering.
4. Slide the decal into place with tweezers and a damp brush. Work quickly: the solution starts softening the decal.
5. Blot gently around the edges to remove water. Do not wipe across the decal.
6. Add more setting solution on top if needed, carefully.
7. Let it dry completely, then wash off decal glue and water spots with a damp towel.
8. Seal it with a top coat so the decal is protected.

Curved surfaces and panel lines

For decals that must follow curves, rivets or recesses, Microscale recommends Micro Sol, the stronger of its two solutions. It softens the decal so it sinks into the detail and removes the tiny bubbles that cause silvering. Use it sparingly and leave the decal alone while it softens; it can wrinkle before it settles flat.

Water slide decals for Gunpla

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Stickers vs water slide decals

Wikipedia notes decals come with most kits and are also sold separately for customizing. Bandai’s Gundam Decal page lists sheets for particular kits and multi-use sheets for a series.

Common water slide decal problems

• Silvering: air under the film. Use setting solution, and Micro Sol over uneven areas.
• Decal will not move: add a little water to float it again before it dries.
• Decal tore: handle it as little as possible, and let water and a damp brush carry it into place.

Removing a decal you placed wrong

Microscale’s FAQ covers this too. If the decal has no finish coat over it yet, press adhesive masking tape over it, rub it down, then lift the tape slowly: the decal comes away with it. Once a finish coat is on, the decal is sealed in, and Microscale notes you may have to strip the finish to remove it. That is one more reason to check each decal’s position before you spray the top coat.

Where decals fit in the build

Decals go after panel lining and before the final top coat. For the full finishing order, see the build guide, and for what to use for color, read how to paint Gunpla.