Help with Tyre Decals? (Tamiya & Fujimi)

[Tyrone]

Hi,

I feel like i'm missing something here.

With the tyre decals, I cut round the logo, flip it over onto the tyre, then cover it in water until the decal comes off, but I cant really see very well how they're supposed to line up because the backing paper is too opaque.

I've also tried floating the decal in water until it comes of the paper, then transferring it over to the tyre using a scalpel, this didn't work well.

I really do feel like I'm missing something obvious here, as they must be printed mirrored for a reason.

What techniques do you use to stick the tyre decals on?

Thanks for your help. (i've made 8 models that have wonky decals now, thankgod that Ebbro has pre-printed tyres!)

-Tyrone

[vekkuli]

As Tamiya's Tyre Decals You must gently rub the Decal to Tyre Surface and when It's attached to Tyre Wall add Water to Decal Film to wipe It off.

[mobiusone]

Hey Tryone. My first advice would be, if possible, ditch Tamiya's dry transfer tire decals and just buy some from Indycals. http://www.indycals.net/ His decals are 100 times better than what Tamiya gives you. But, if you need to stick with the dry transfers, usually what works for me is cutting the decal out, the placing it face down on the tire. I gently rub it down with my finger, the rub it down a bit more with usually a blunt toothpick. Key is to be gently but aggressive at the same time. I let it sit for about a minute, then I wet my finger in water (not dripping though) and lightly moisten the backing paper. Let it sit for about 15 sec, then lightly pull away the backing at a 45 degree angle. Most of the time this works.

Hope this helps!

[JamesB]

If the problem is that you don't see through the paper, just trim the paper as close to letters as possiblle...

[Hugeprong]

I think I have the answer here as for YEARS I had the same issue. In fact it is only in the last couple of years that I discovered the answer by accident.

Cut out the decal so that it at least vaguely fits on the tyre - and obviously discard the transparent covering paper too. It generally falls off anyway. Then, and this is the key bit, put a sharp knife in the side of the decal and with a bit of practice you will find that it sort of splits leaving you with the decal on a VERY thin film of paper that goes completely transparent when you put water on it.

You can easily line it up but if you have put clear gloss on the sidewall you will have to work quick. The waste film of paper often comes away with the slightest rub of a finger after 30 seconds. Voila!

I now find I have no problem with these dry decals. Just work the knife in at the side of the paper and you will get the knack quite quickly.

[SanMarino]

This is they way I do them:

If the problem is that you don't see through the paper, just trim the paper as close to letters as possiblle...

This method is new to me and sounds like it may be he better way. I will have to give it a try on the next opportunity:

Cut out the decal so that it at least vaguely fits on the tyre - and obviously discard the transparent covering paper too. It generally falls off anyway. Then, and this is the key bit, put a sharp knife in the side of the decal and with a bit of practice you will find that it sort of splits leaving you with the decal on a VERY thin film of paper that goes completely transparent when you put water on it.

[Tyrone]

Hi, it's true!

The decals peel off the backing card.

I've just decaled some MP$/7 tyres and it's taken half the time and each one is perfectly aligned!

Thanks for your help everyone.

[JamesB]

Oh yes, obviously I meant discarding the thick paper (the one at the positive side of the decal) at first glance!!!

[Fiatphile]

All good advice. And concur IndyCals is the way to go.

[Eagle50]

... the key bit, put a sharp knife in the side of the decal and with a bit of practice you will find that it sort of splits leaving you with the decal on a VERY thin film of paper that goes completely transparent when you put water on it. ...

That sounds like a great idea! I've gotta try that next!

Generally, people here in Japan try to cut as close to the tyre logo as possible (as James says). Then some will lay a large coin, centred on the wheel, and use the coin as a guide to proper alignment.

But your idea seems much better!

Cheers, Chris