Applying Water Slide Decals to RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0

Quick answer

To apply water slide decals to the RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0, prepare the surface with a gloss coat, soak and slide each decal into position, then seal with a top coat. Use the dedicated decals from Fuwa Fuwa Land for the best fit and detail.

Step-by-step decal application

1. 1. Gloss coat the surface: Spray a thin layer of gloss or semi-gloss top coat on the area where you will place the decal. This gives the decal a smooth, shiny surface to adhere to and reduces the risk of silvering (trapped air under the decal). Let the coat dry fully for at least 30 minutes before applying decals.
2. 2. Cut out the decal: Use a hobby knife or sharp scissors to cut the decal from the sheet, leaving a small border of clear film around the design. This makes handling easier and prevents the decal from curling. Cut close to the design to minimize excess clear film that could show on dark plastic.
3. 3. Soak the decal: Dip the decal in room-temperature water for 10–15 seconds until the backing paper is fully wet. Place it on a flat surface and wait about 30 seconds for the decal to loosen from the paper. Do not oversoak — the decal will slide off too early and become hard to control.
4. 4. Slide and position: Use tweezers to hold the backing paper near the target area, then gently slide the decal onto the plastic with a damp cotton swab. Adjust the position while the decal is still wet. Work slowly; the decal can tear if you move it too quickly or use dry tweezers.
5. 5. Remove excess water and air: Roll a damp cotton swab from the center of the decal outward to push out any trapped water or air bubbles. Blot away excess water with the corner of a tissue. If you see a bubble, gently lift the edge with a hobby knife and re-roll the swab.
6. 6. Seal with a top coat: After the decals are fully dry (wait at least 12 hours), spray a final top coat — matte, gloss, or satin — over the entire kit. This protects the decals from scratches and makes them look like part of the plastic. A matte top coat hides the decal film edges best, while gloss keeps the decals shiny like the original stickers.

Product facts

• RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0 Water Slide Decals: These water slide decals are designed specifically for the RG 1/144 RX-78-2 Gundam 2.0 kit and include markings and emblems to elevate its appearance. Using kit-specific decals saves you from trimming or adjusting generic sheets, so every marking fits exactly where it should on the Gundam's armor.