We’ve been selling Mask Island decals for a couple of years both in the company store and recently on eBay. Today I received an eBay message from a buyer of the KO&G hopper set complaining the “decals broke apart”. I offered to refund or replace the set but decided to put down by steps in using his decals. While the process may seem quite involved the results are models with no silvering around rivets and no decal film showing when you flat cover the model. I’ve since added these steps to all of our decal listings on eBay.

Mask Island decals are printed on Microscale decal paper and then over sprayed with a fixative. They are on very thin film so use these guidelines
– The surface of the model needs to be as glossy as possible to allow you to slide the decal into place. I use Tamiya Clear to get a smooth, high gloss finish.
– Cut as close to the lettering as possible to avoid any decal film showing when you over spray with a flat finish. For small lettering cut out the lettering with a scissors and then cut closer to the decal using a single edged razor blade on a flat surface. This is handy for the small decals such as lease information, seal placements, journal repacks, etc.
– Place the decal in water and then after 15-20 seconds place on a plastic coffee can lid. Pick up the decal and paper backing and move to the area on the freight car – make sure there’s lots of water on the model surface. Hold the decal down with a small detail brush and slowly slide the paper backing away using a tweezers. If the decal has a corner or section that folds under – take a second small brush and put the brush hairs under the decal and move it across to undo the fold. If this doesn’t work place the decal back into the water to allow it to unfold and pick it up again using the paper backing.
– Once the decal is in placed use a paper towel or Qtip to soak up the excess water. Now reposition the decal using a sewing needle in a pin vice. If you are unable to make corrections just add more water over the decal and it will allow you to move it. – After blotting up the water, apply Micro Set (Blue) over the decal to get it to conform to the rivets or seams. Do not use anything stronger such as Solvaset.
– Allow decals to dry overnight. Then inspect the decals in a strong light for any silvering around rivets, etc. Using the sewing needle prick the area where its silvered and apply a small amount of Micro Sol (Red bottle).
– Once the decals are dry coat with a flatting agent. I use Testor’s Dullcote thinned and airbrushed.[attachment=0:1fhvfe93]792902AF-E463-490E-965D-9F7CA6CFEA18.jpeg[/attachment:1fhvfe93]