How to Apply Water Slide Decals to HG Gundam Schwarzette

Quick Answer

Apply water slide decals to your HG Gundam Schwarzette by cutting, soaking, sliding, and setting each decal with care. Use a soft cloth and decal softener to avoid silvering and ensure adhesion on curved surfaces.

Step-by-Step Decal Application for HG Gundam Schwarzette

1. 1. Prepare Your Workspace and Tools: Gather a shallow dish of room-temperature water, a sharp hobby knife, tweezers, a cotton swab, a soft cloth, and decal softener (like Mr. Mark Setter). Clean the plastic surface with a mild detergent to remove oils. Skipping surface cleaning can cause decals to lift later.
2. 2. Cut Out the Decal: Use a hobby knife or scissors to cut close to the decal edge. Leave a small border of clear film to make handling easier. For the Ghost HG 1/144 Gundam Schwarzette decals, cut each marking individually. Cutting too close to the design increases the risk of tearing when sliding.
3. 3. Soak the Decal: Dip the decal in water for 10–15 seconds until the backing paper darkens. Remove and place on a dry surface. Wait 20–30 seconds for the decal to loosen from the paper. Over-soaking makes the decal too fragile and hard to position.
4. 4. Slide and Position: Use tweezers to hold the decal paper. Gently slide the decal onto the plastic surface using a damp cotton swab. Position it exactly where you want it before touching the top. Once the decal touches the plastic, it can be repositioned only within a few seconds before it sets.
5. 5. Remove Excess Water and Air Bubbles: Roll a dry cotton swab from the center of the decal outward to push out water and air. Use a soft cloth to blot remaining moisture. For curved areas, press gently with a cloth to conform the decal. Rubbing too hard can tear the decal; work slowly and use light pressure.
6. 6. Apply Decal Softener (Optional but Recommended): Apply a small amount of decal softener (e.g., Mr. Mark Softer) over the decal with a brush. Let it sit for 30 seconds, then blot with a cloth. This helps the decal melt into panel lines and reduces silvering. Avoid using too much softener, as it can damage the decal if left too long.
7. 7. Seal the Decal: After 24 hours of drying, spray a clear topcoat (matte or gloss) over the entire kit to protect the decals from scratches and UV damage. This also hides the decal edges for a painted look. Skipping the topcoat leaves decals vulnerable to peeling during handling.

Product Used in This Guide

• Ghost HG 1/144 Gundam Schwarzette Water Slide Decal: Includes multiple decal sheets for various marking options. Compatible with standard Gunpla water slide application techniques. You get flexibility to choose which markings to apply, and the decals respond predictably to the methods described in this tutorial.