Most Master Grade kits come with a set of normal stickers (peel and stick) and dry transfers (I'll refer to them as 'DT's). When used correctly, DTs look a lot better than normal stickers because they stick so much closer to the surface of the model they actually look painted on.
It took me a while to figure out how to get these done right. Here's how I do them:
- Set the whole DT sheet on a cutting mat. Flip it over so the adhesive edge is upwards towards you.
- Use a sharp hobby blade (I normally use a new one) to cut out the design you want to use with at least 1mm of space around it.
- Remove the rest of the DT sheet you won't be using and carefully flip the cut-out portion over so the adhesive edge is now on the cutting mat.
- Cut a small piece of cellophane tape.
- Position the tape over the DT so that the DT sits in the middle, then stick it on.
- Carefully position the tape with DT where you want it on the model, then paste it on.
- Use a pen or blunt pencil to go over the DT. Go over it a few times in different directions. Check to ensure you have the whole symbol/marking covered.
- Careflly lift the tape off from one end. As you remove it, check to see if the transfer has stayed on the model. If not, the tape allows you to position the DT over the same area again (or at least close to it) to finish your job.
- Remove tape and you're done!
- this works well on painted and non-painted surfaces.
- test the cellophane tape first. I can't guarantee that different brands will work equally well. I wouldn't recommend cheap brands if they leave glue or residue on the surfaces after removal.
- do *not* stick the cellophane tape over any DTs already applied... they may pull them off! If you have 2 DTs to be placed close together, stick them both on the tape first and apply them together.
- credit : http://gundam_base.tripod.com/
