Let's get started!
I was busy last week so John had to sub in for me (thanks man!), but now we are back to business as usual. As promised, this week we are going to start doing some practical sticker work. I'm going to demonstrate two slightly different techniques for applying stickers, which both including cutting. We will also look at some difficult surfaces that can cause problems for your stickers.
I was busy last week so John had to sub in for me (thanks man!), but now we are back to business as usual. As promised, this week we are going to start doing some practical sticker work. I'm going to demonstrate two slightly different techniques for applying stickers, which both including cutting. We will also look at some difficult surfaces that can cause problems for your stickers.
Technique 1: Remove-Cut-Apply
Step 1: Remove
With this technique, the first step it is to remove the sticker from the sheet. Notice that by using my sticker application tool I was able to remove the sticker without touching the glue backing of the sticker with my fingers. This is very important because it keeps the stickers looking good and sticking well.
Step 2: Cut
Now the sticker is cut using mini scissors. In this case I had to cut the sticker so it would fit the piece. Stickers often will not need to be cut, especially when working with larger models, in which case you can just skip this step.
Step 3: Apply
Now for the actual application. This part requires patience and a steady hand. Notice that I removed a section of the model before applying the sticker. This makes it much easier to work with.
Technique 2: Cut-Remove-Apply
Step 1: Cut
Sometimes it is easier to cut the sticker while it is still on the sheet. In this case I cut the sticker because I only wanted to use part of it.
Step 2: Remove
Now that the sticker has been cut to size it can be removed from its backing. Separating a pre-cut sticker from its backing is one of the most difficult techniques in stickering. Like application, it requires patience and steady hand. It's important that you use your precision knife for this step, because the sharper and thinner your blade is, the easier it will be.
Step 3: Apply
This step is basically the same as in Technique 1. You'll notice that my original placement was slightly off, so I had to remove it and try again. Often you will have to repeat this process several times.
Difficult Shapes
Curves:
So far we have been dealing with surfaces that are only slightly curved. This is normally not a problem, unless you are using a sticker that
is not very sticky. However, tightly curved surfaces can sometimes cause problems:
Angles:
Sharp angles are even worse than curves:
The solution:
So how do you deal with these difficult shapes? The answer is simple: always use your application tool, NOT your fingers! As long as you never allow your fingers to touch the back of the sticker, you will normally not have any problems with these surfaces. However, if you still have a problem, as a last-ditch measure you can always add a tiny dab of Kraggle underneath the sticker. Did I mention that this tutorial is not 100% purist? ;)
Bonus Technique: Grill stickers!
Here is a fun bonus technique for you guys. It basically uses a sticker to turn a 1x2 grill slope into a studless 1x2 slope. This technique also works great for covering up anti-studs.
Do you re-use stickers?
ReplyDeleteYep, sometimes I do! We will actually be covering that next week, so stay tuned!
Deleteyou covered up the air intakes?!?!? HOW WILL IT FLY THROUGH SPACE!?!??
ReplyDeleteoh man... I need to go find my crowbar.... really really nice tutorial Jacob.
Hey, I need all the flat spaces for sponsors that I can get!
DeleteI spent 3 hours stickering tonight. thanks :P
Delete3 hours well spent! Glad I could be of service. :D
Delete