This guide will describe how to apply decals onto your minimates , making your customs look as professional as possible. Go ahead and pick out the decals you want from our gallery, or use your own, and print them on waterslide decal paper. The decals in our gallery are automatically sized correctly for printing, but you should print a test page first on plain paper, just in case your printer is set to shrink or expand the graphics. If you are using inkjet paper, you will need to apply a clear coat at this point or else the ink will run. They are available in brush-on or spray varieties.
Now that you have your decals printed, pick one decal to start with and cut inside the black border with a sharp hobby knife. A scissors can also be used, but this can leave white edges that will need to be painted over. Submerge the decal in a small bowl of water for 10 seconds. Remove the decal and set aside for 50 seconds (if you are using clear decal paper, increase this to 80 seconds). Pick up the decal and position it above or to the side of the Minimate surface. Use your thumb to slide the decal onto the surface. Wet the tip of your finger, and use it to reposition the decal, and to smooth out any air bubbles.
Let the decal sit for at least 4 hours before painting around the edges (if necessary). If you used laser paper you can add clear coat at this time, which will protect the decal from light scratches and wear. Wait 12 hours before coating with clear coat or applying accessories. If you find that a corner of the decal has popped up later, just put a tiny amount of superglue underneath the corner with a toothpick and press it down flat so there are no bubbles.
Decal Tips and Tricks
- Keep the decals in the original envelope/bag when not in use, or else they could dry out and crack when you attempt to use them.
- I try to use the 50 second wait time that one decal is set aside to cut out the next decal I will be using. This helps to save time when applying multiple decals.
- Tampos on Minimate bodies underneath white and flesh colored decals can bleed through, and should be removed with paint remover such as Goof-Off beforehand.
- Face decals are easier to apply from the top down. After soaking the decal, hold it above the Minimate head, and push it down onto the head from the middle of the decal with your thumb, and then finish wrapping it around the sides of the head.
For further decal tips, check out these posts:
