Bandai Hobby No.104 Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans 2 Water-Slide Decal Instruction Manual

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the application and care of the Bandai Hobby No.104 Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans 2 Water-Slide Decals. These decals are designed for use with Gjallarhorn Mobile Suits from the Iron-Blooded Orphans series, enhancing the visual detail and authenticity of your model kits. Please read all instructions carefully before beginning the application process.

Image: The Bandai Hobby No.104 Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans 2 Water-Slide Decal Sheet, showing various markings and emblems for model customization.

What's in the Box

• Bandai Hobby - No.104 Mobile Suit Gundam Iron-Blooded Orphans 2, Bandai Gundam Decal Sheet

Safety Information

WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. This product contains small parts and is not suitable for children under 3 years of age. Adult supervision is recommended during assembly and application. Keep all components out of reach of small children and pets.

Setup and Application

Applying water-slide decals requires patience and precision. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Prepare Your Workspace: Ensure a clean, well-lit area. Gather necessary tools: a sharp hobby knife or scissors, a small dish of clean water, tweezers, cotton swabs or soft cloth, and decal setting/softening solutions (optional, but recommended for complex surfaces).
2. Prepare the Model Surface: The surface where the decal will be applied should be clean, smooth, and free of dust or grease. A glossy finish on the model part can help prevent 'silvering' (air trapped under the decal).
3. Cut the Decal: Carefully cut out the desired decal from the sheet using a hobby knife or sharp scissors. Cut as close to the edge of the design as possible without damaging it.
4. Soak the Decal: Using tweezers, gently immerse the cut decal in the dish of clean water for 10-20 seconds. The decal is ready when it can slide freely on its backing paper. Do not over-soak.
5. Apply the Decal: Place the decal, still on its backing paper, onto the model surface where it will be applied. Hold the backing paper with tweezers and gently slide the decal off the paper onto the model using a cotton swab or your fingertip.
6. Position the Decal: Once the decal is on the model, you have a short window to adjust its position. Use a wet cotton swab or brush to gently nudge it into place.
7. Remove Excess Water and Bubbles: Gently press down on the decal with a cotton swab or soft cloth to absorb excess water and smooth out any air bubbles. Work from the center outwards.
8. Apply Setting Solution (Optional): For decals on curved or irregular surfaces, apply a decal setting solution (e.g., Mr. Mark Setter, Micro Sol) after positioning. This helps the decal conform to the surface and adhere better. Follow the solution's specific instructions.
9. Allow to Dry: Let the decal dry completely, which can take several hours. Avoid touching or moving the decal during this time.

Image: A hand carefully applying a water-slide decal to a red plastic model kit part, demonstrating the precision required for application.

Operating and Usage Tips

• Sealing Decals: After decals are fully dry, it is highly recommended to apply a clear topcoat (matte, satin, or gloss, depending on your desired finish) over the entire model. This protects the decals from damage, blends them into the model's surface, and prevents yellowing over time.
• Tools: Invest in quality hobby tools such as fine-tipped tweezers, a sharp hobby knife, and dedicated decal solutions for the best results.
• Practice: If you are new to water-slide decals, consider practicing on spare parts or an inconspicuous area before applying to prominent sections of your model.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Once sealed with a clear coat, decals can be cleaned as part of your model's regular maintenance. Use a soft brush or cloth and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the clear coat or decals.
• Storage: Store unused decal sheets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out or becoming brittle. Keep them flat to avoid creasing.

Troubleshooting

• Decal Not Sliding Off Backing Paper:
  Cause: Not soaked long enough or water is too cold.
  Solution: Re-immerse in warm water for a few more seconds. Ensure water is at room temperature.
• Bubbles Under Decal:
  Cause: Air trapped during application.
  Solution: Gently press out bubbles with a cotton swab. For stubborn bubbles, carefully prick with a sharp needle and then press again.
• 'Silvering' (Decal Edges Visible):
  Cause: Air trapped under the clear film of the decal, often due to a rough or matte surface.
  Solution: Apply a gloss coat to the model surface before decaling. Use decal setting solutions to help the decal conform. After drying, a final clear coat can help reduce the appearance of silvering.
• Decal Tearing:
  Cause: Decal is too thin, handled too roughly, or over-soaked.
  Solution: Handle decals with extreme care using tweezers. If a decal tears, try to piece it back together on the model while it's still wet.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For product support assistance within the United States, ensure your product box has an affixed official Bluefin / Bandai Namco warning label. This label is proof that you are purchasing an officially licensed Bandai product distributed by its sole and authorized distributor (Bluefin) for the U.S. Markets. Products with this label have been thoroughly tested for safety and meet all North American consumer product safety regulations.

For further inquiries or support, please refer to the contact information provided on the product packaging or visit the official Bandai Hobby website.