How to Apply Water Slide Decals on PG Unleashed Kits
By Fuwa Fuwa Land-Fuwa Fuwa Land | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the specific techniques for applying water slide decals to large-scale PG Unleashed Gundam kits, including surface prep, positioning, and sealing for a professional finish.
Quick answer
Apply water slide decals on PG Unleashed kits by preparing a gloss surface, using warm water for soaking, and employing a setting solution for the large decals. This prevents silvering and ensures the decals conform to the kit's detailed surfaces.
Why PG Unleashed decals need extra care
PG Unleashed kits have large, flat armor panels and intricate surface details. Standard decal techniques can lead to silvering or poor adhesion on these expansive areas. The Evolution Studio decals for the 1/60 RX-78-2 are designed for this kit, but proper surface preparation and the right tools are essential to avoid bubbles and lifting.
Because the decals are larger than those on HG or RG kits, you'll need to work in a clean, dust-free environment and use a soft, wide brush to position them. Patience is key—rushing can ruin a decal that is hard to replace.
Step-by-step application for PG Unleashed kits
- Prepare the surface: Spray a gloss clear coat on the part and let it cure completely. This gives the decal a smooth, non-porous surface to stick to, reducing silvering. Skipping the gloss coat is the most common mistake—matte surfaces trap air under decals.
- Cut and soak the decal: Cut out the decal close to the printed edge. Dip it in room-temperature water for 5–10 seconds, then place it on a damp paper towel until it slides freely on its backing. Over-soaking weakens the adhesive; under-soaking makes it tear when moved.
- Position and slide: Use a wet brush or tweezers to slide the decal onto the part. For large panels, start from one edge and gently press out air bubbles with a cotton swab as you go. If the decal sticks too fast, rewet the area with a drop of water to reposition it.
- Apply setting solution: Once the decal is in place, dab a soft cloth with decal setting solution and gently blot over the decal. This softens it to conform to panel lines and curves. Avoid soaking the decal—too much solution can cause it to wrinkle or dissolve.
- Seal the decal: After the decal dries completely (at least 24 hours), spray a final clear coat—gloss, semi-gloss, or matte—to protect it and blend it into the surface. Skipping the seal coat leaves the decal vulnerable to peeling during handling or topcoating later.
Product facts
- PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam Evolution Studio Water Slide Decals: Water slide decals for the PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam, produced by Evolution Studio. These decals are specifically sized and detailed for the PG Unleashed kit, ensuring a precise fit on its large armor panels without needing to trim or adjust.
PG Unleashed 1/60 RX-78-2 Gundam Evolution Studio Water Slide Decals
