Diels Engineering, Inc.

This page will be under construction for as long as Hints and Tips 
continue to come in.

Last updated December 14, 2005.

Hints and Tips should apply to Diels Engineering Products are preferred
but any will be screened by us for applicability. Depending on how 
many and what type we get we may create catagories to make it easier
to find those of interest to the reader.

TIPS:

1. Attaching tissue to models.

I use a 50-50 mixture of Elmer's carpenters glue and water, maybe even
 more water than than 50%. I have been using it for about 30 years 
now. I started experimenting with it because of the dope smell that 
seemed to permeate the entire house no matter how little of it was 
applied. I still have several of the models from those days and the 
tissue is still intact. As for cost it can't be much more than a few 
cents per model if that. Of course I didn't keep my models where 
moisture was a problem.

I like to use old 35mm film containers and squirt a dab of glue into
it, then add at least an equal amount of water and mix. Then I use
any old small paint brush and brush the frame edges where the tissue
attaches with enough of the glue misture to stick to the tissue. I
apply the dissue dry and smooth it onto the frames with my fingers
making sure that the glue sticks to the tissue.

After the glue has dried I spray the tissue with a light coat of water
to shrink it and mount it to the building board if a wing or thin tail
surface to prevent warping. The water spray has never released the
tissue from the frames.

I still use this method today and will continue to do so until 
otherwise prohibited by law.(Smile).

2. Handling and applying thin decals.
The waterslide decals are very thin and somewhat fragile. We recommend
when trimming them that you leave about 1/16" all around to prevent 
disintegration of the colored part of the decal. Soak in warm water 
until the decal starts to release from the backing paper. Position
the backing paper near where the decal is to be located and carefully 
slide the decal onto the model.

Another suggestion is prior doing the above, get a can of spray 
lacquer from any store and apply two or three light coats over the 
whole sheet, allowing time for drying in between coats. 
Krylon is one brand, although most discount or craft stores may have 
alternate brands including some specifically recommended for decals.
Diels Engineering, Inc.--Hints and Tips
