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Applying Decals and Water Slide Decals: No, It’s Not As Easy As Slapping Stickers on It

Ready to take your Gundam to the next level? Learn how to apply decals and water slide decals like a pro—without losing your mind. From cutting and soaking to smoothing and topcoating, we’ve got all the tips you need to make your Gundam look like it just stepped off the battlefield. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide has something for everyone. Get ready to customize and make your Gundam truly stand out!

So you’ve built your Gundam, and now it’s time to take it to the next level. You know, the level where it looks like it just stepped off a battle-worn spaceship and is ready to win a few wars—or at least look like it did. Enter decals, the magic that transforms your smooth, plastic kit into a real Gundam.

But before you get all excited and start slapping decals like you’re decorating a birthday cake, hold up. There’s a proper way to do this, and I’m here to make sure you don’t mess it up.

Step 1: Regular Decals—The Lazy But Effective Option

Let’s start with the simple stuff. Regular decals are what most people think of when they hear the word “sticker.” You know, the kind you can just peel off the sheet and stick onto your Gundam with minimal effort and maximum pride. These are great for quick builds or if you’re just looking to add a little flair without getting too fancy.

Now, while regular decals are simple, they can also be a bit...well, not that exciting. They often have a shiny, raised edge that screams, “I’m not actually part of the model, but I’m here anyway.” So, they’re fine for beginners or those looking for a quick finish, but if you’re aiming for something that looks professionally applied and doesn’t scream “I was added in a hurry,” then water slide decals are where the magic happens.

Step 2: Water Slide Decals—The Real Deal (That Also Might Try to Destroy Your Soul)

Here we go—water slide decals. This is where the real fun begins. These are the decals that will make your Gundam look like it came straight from the factory, with all the crisp, perfect logos, numbers, and symbols in the exact places they should be. But (and this is a big but), they also come with some serious “this is going to test your patience” vibes.

Here’s how to get it right:

Cut Out the Decal: First, grab your sharp hobby knife and carefully cut around the decal. Don’t just hack it off like you’re cutting a coupon. Precision is key. Treat these decals like the fragile, precious things they are. You want to cut close, but not so close that you end up with a jagged mess.
Soak It: Once it’s cut, grab a small bowl of warm water—nothing too hot, just cozy. Pop the decal in the water for about 10-15 seconds. Don’t just dunk it like you’re putting it in the pool for a swim. The goal is to loosen the decal from its backing paper. If you leave it too long, you’ll have a soggy mess. No one wants that.
Slide It: Once it’s soaked and ready, gently slide the decal off the backing paper. Be gentle with it, like you’re handling the last piece of pizza at a party. Place it on your Gundam and position it carefully. Do not rush this step—you can shift it around a bit, but don’t try to slide it like you’re moving furniture. If it’s too dry, it’ll start sticking to your fingers instead of your model, and then, well... good luck.
Smooth It Out: Now that your decal is where you want it, grab a clean, damp cloth or sponge and gently smooth the decal out. You want to remove air bubbles and wrinkles without ripping the thing apart. If you’re too aggressive, you might end up with a tear that ruins all your hard work.
Let It Dry: This is the part where you can’t rush. Just let the decal dry for a while, preferably 24 hours if you want to avoid smearing. And no, you cannot cheat this part. Do not touch it, do not even think about touching it. Just leave it alone.

Step 3: Topcoat It Like a Boss

Once your decal is dry and settled, the last thing you want is for it to start peeling off at the first sign of a strong breeze. So, give it a good clear topcoat to seal it in. You can use a matte or glossy finish depending on the look you’re going for. A matte finish will give it that realistic, battle-worn vibe, while a glossy finish will give it that factory-fresh shine.

Just spray a light coat over your whole Gundam (yes, the whole thing), and let it dry. It’ll help blend the decal into the model, so it doesn’t look like it’s sitting on top of the plastic like a sticker from a prize machine.

Step 4: The Little Touches Make All the Difference

Okay, you’re done, right? Not quite. If you want to be extra (and we know you do), you can take it one step further by adding some panel liner around the edges of the decal to give it more definition. This will make your decals pop even more and add that extra layer of depth.

TL;DR: Decals and Water Slide Decals—Your New Best Frenemies

Regular decals: The lazy way to add decals, but they scream “I didn’t try too hard.”
Water slide decals: The real deal, but prepare yourself for a test of patience and precision.
Soak, slide, smooth, dry, and topcoat—don’t skip steps unless you want your Gundam to look like it was made in a rush.
Seal it in with a topcoat and add panel lining to make it really pop.

Now, grab your decals, some patience, and start customizing like a true Gunpla artist. If you mess up, just tell people it’s “battle damage.” No one will question you.