Quick Answer

Apply waterslide decals to your HG Macross Frontier kit by soaking, sliding, and setting with Mark Fit, then seal with a topcoat. The Bandai decal set for the 1/100 VF-25G Michael Custom includes all necessary markings.

Why Waterslide Decals Beat Stickers

Waterslide decals conform to curved surfaces like the VF-25G's wings and fuselage better than standard stickers or dry transfers. They also let you reposition before setting, which is critical for aligning the many caution marks on a Macross Frontier kit.

What You'll Need

Gather a shallow dish of room-temperature water, tweezers, a cotton swab or soft brush, a hobby knife, Mark Setter (or Micro Set), Mark Softer (or Micro Sol), and a clear topcoat (gloss or matte). A hairdryer or warm air source can help speed drying.

Step-by-Step Application Process

  1. Prepare the Surface: Wash the kit parts with mild soapy water to remove mold release or fingerprints. Let dry completely. Apply a gloss topcoat to create a smooth, non-porous surface for the decal to adhere to. Skipping the wash can cause decals to lift later.
  2. Cut Out the Decal: Use a hobby knife or scissors to trim close to the decal edge, leaving a 1–2 mm clear border. This prevents the carrier film from showing on dark surfaces. A tight cut reduces silvering on dark plastic.
  3. Soak and Slide: Dip the decal in room-temperature water for 10–20 seconds until it slides freely on its backing paper. Use tweezers to hold the paper and slide the decal onto the part with a wet brush. Over-soaking weakens the adhesive; soak only until the decal moves.
  4. Position and Set: Gently slide the decal into place using a damp cotton swab. Once positioned, blot excess water with a dry swab. Apply Mark Setter to the area before the decal to help adhesion. Work quickly; decals dry and become hard to move after 30–60 seconds.
  5. Soften for Curves: For curved surfaces like the VF-25G's wing roots, brush on Mark Softer. It softens the decal film so it conforms without wrinkles. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then dab with a swab. Too much Softer can distort the decal; use a light coat.
  6. Seal with Topcoat: After all decals are dry (at least 24 hours), spray a clear topcoat over the entire part. This protects the decals from scratches and hides the carrier film edges. A matte topcoat reduces glare on display models; gloss preserves the sheen.

Product Used in This Guide