Durafly Curtiss P-40N Instruction Manual Download Page 21

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Applying the supplied decals will take you longer than assembling the model. This is because great

care must be taken when doing so. The decals are vinyl type and so need to be applied in a certain

way. Please follow carefully the guidelines below to achieve the best possible finish on your P-40N.
1. Study the scheme reference sheet carefully and understand fully where each decal should be applied.
2. DO NOT cut to the edge of each decal. Instead leave a 10mm edge around it. These decal use a

clear front cover/film that is used to remove the decal from the paper backing.

3. Once you have cut out your decal rub the surface of the clear protective film to ensure the decal

sticks it. This will ensure all of the decal is lifted off the backing paper

4. Position the decals carefully on the model according to the decal reference sheet then gently rub

(using a dry cloth) the decal in place rubbing from the center of the decal out to avoid wrinkles and

air bubbles.

5. If you do have some air bubbles under the decal, use the tip of a sharp blade to make a small hole

in the bubble then rub over it again to push the air out.

6. Once the decal is firmly rubbed down and any air bubbles removed, you can slowly remove the front

clear protective film. DO NOT pull this clear film upwards to remove it, instead pull the film slowly off

to the side. This will ensure the decal doesn’t lift up from the surface of the model when you remove

the clear film.

7. Very gently rub the decal again with a cloth now that the clear film is removed to ensure all edges

are firmly stuck down.

8. Finally the use of a covering iron is STRONGLY recommended to seal the decals to the painted

foam surface and prevent them from lift at the edges over time. Set the iron to a low temperature

and gently run the iron lightly over the surface of the decal as illustrated below. Use of a cloth to

cover the head of the iron is recommended to help prevent damage to the foam and the decal. A

house hold iron can be used if no covering iron is available.

● Rub the clear front film before you remove the decal from the paper back to ensure it lifts fully from

the backing.

● Pull the clear front film off to the sides when after the decal is rubbed into position, DO NOT pull this

film directly up, it could cause the decal to rip.

● Although the most striking, the USAAF ‘Lulu Belle’ scheme is the most difficult to apply. It will take

at least 1 hour to apply fully, but the results are worth it. Pay particular attention to the skull head as

this is separated into 4 parts and needs to be applied with great care to ensure a wrinkle free finish.

● Scale ‘NO WALK’, ‘HANDS OFF’ and many other decals can be found on the Lulu Belle decal sheet

but can be used on any scheme selected.

● Position your decals carefully. Once the decal grips to the surface of the model, it can not be

removed without lift the paint.

● Be patient and take your time applying decals and you will be left with a perfect finish.
● It is strongly recommended that a covering iron be used to seal the edge of the decals to the surface

of the model. If not, changes in temperature can result in the edges of the decals lifting.

DECAL TIPS