Ethan Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 I just finished an AFV M36 tank destroyer. EVERY one of the decals in the kit just disintegrated when I tried to put them on the vehicle. I'm pretty good with decals and I've never had this happen before. Has anyone else had problems with AFV decals or do you think I just did something wrong? Thanks! Ethan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Helo_Dud Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 Sorry to hear your problem, I know how that feels. But I never once (knock on wood) had any problems with AFV's decal, and I've built many. How did you use them, any clear coats or softners and such. Joe Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ethan Posted January 12, 2009 Author Share Posted January 12, 2009 Nope. Just soaked them in water for a little while and tried to apply them. They just disintegrated in my hands. Weird. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Helo_Dud Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 My only suggestion is to email AFV and see if they'll send you a replacement set. It won't hurt to try. Joe Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fishwelding Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 Has anyone else had problems with AFV decals or do you think I just did something wrong? I built one of their M10 kits, and found the decals cranky. They didn't want to conform to details, then didn't want to smooth out, then flaked off. Micro Sol and Solvaset seemingly did more harm than good. My next armor project, a Sherman, had me using paint masks and dry transfers. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matt Posted January 15, 2009 Share Posted January 15, 2009 I built one of their M10 kits, and found the decals cranky. They didn't want to conform to details, then didn't want to smooth out, then flaked off. Micro Sol and Solvaset seemingly did more harm than good. My next armor project, a Sherman, had me using paint masks and dry transfers. I had the same problem. Its almost as if they are printed on .005 clear styrene than carrier film. In the end I resorted to the 'big hammer' and hit them with a shot of liquid cement (Tamiya thin) thus melting them into submission. That learned 'em. (then the stupid AFV rubber band tracks were way too short and broke when I tried to make 'em fit, but thats another story...) Cheers, Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TuveB Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 I also had problems with their decals, i only use them on flat undetailed surfaces. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HeavyArty Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I have had no issues w/AFV Club decals. All brands can have this happen if they are older and dried up a bit. I always start w/a test decal first. If it falls apart, all you have to do is spray a clearcoat (Testors dulcote or glosscote, Krylon Crystal Clear, etc...) over the decal sheet to restore the carrier film. Let it dry and they will be as good as new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Huey Gunner Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Grreeaaatt, I got a whole stack of AFV kits to be built. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HeavyArty Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Grreeaaatt, I got a whole stack of AFV kits to be built. Don't worry, they are not usually an issue. From my above post: I have had no issues w/AFV Club decals. All brands can have this happen if they are older and dried up a bit. I always start w/a test decal first. If it falls apart, all you have to do is spray a clearcoat (Testors dulcote or glosscote, Krylon Crystal Clear, etc...) over the decal sheet to restore the carrier film. Let it dry and they will be as good as new. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lucas McFarlane Posted April 15, 2023 Share Posted April 15, 2023 I was just decalling my AFV Club M108 and decals were sticking to backing paper and themselves, never had this problem before with any kit. Even with other AFV Club kits... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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