Help with decal paper. Not sticky.

[dfabilene]

I've read every thread I can find on applying decals to pens. Turned, sanded, 2 coats of thin CA, MM to 12000. I'm using Testors decal paper. Instructions say dip in water for 5 seconds and set on paper towel until decal slides off easily. I follow exactly - decal has no adhesion at all. I placed one last night. Smoothed completely. This morning the decal slid right off the pen.

What am I doing wrong? Not enough time in water?

Thanks.

 

[renowb]

Are you sealing the decals prior to dipping them?

 

[G1Pens]

PM sent

 

[dfabilene]

Yes. Sealing the decals (after the first one lost all color upon dipping in water).

Seems like all the adhesive stays on the white paper backing.

 

[drmike]

How old are the decals? I can remember this happening with old model kits or decals I had saved when a kid.

 

[wouldentu2?]

I have had the same problem once in awhile. I never figured out why it happened. All of a sudden I never had it happen again.

I place the decal in the water for a guesstimate of 15 seconds and remove it. If the decal can be slid off easily I use it. If it does not move back into the water for another 5 to 10 seconds. It will then come off.

 

[dfabilene]

How old are the decals? I can remember this happening with old model kits or decals I had saved when a kid.

Just purchased from Hobby Lobby. They could have been sitting there a while - it took 4 people to help me find where they were.

 

[drmike]

I don't know the shelf life of a decal but that could be it as I have had the same problem with ones I know were more than a year old.