Secrets to using Fred Cady decals

[grandsport3]

Good Afternoon Fellows, anyone know an easy way of applying Fred Cady decals? Back in the old days of modeling I NEVER had the problems like I have with Fred Cady's. They are soooo thin they flip over and you can't smooth them out without tearing and they don't appear to have an adhesive backing. Cold water, hot water which to use? Revell and AMT still have great separation along with many after market, they are printed separately and free of each other. I honestly hate to buy Fred Cady's they are such a pain in the arse. Thanx for viewing, John

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

I am a decal hater/avoider so I may not be the best to ask, but: A light coat of lacquer clear over it can help with the curling. There used to be a decal sealer spray that came with decal paper. I think it was lacquer clear. My very limited experience with Cady decals was years ago and I had no issues with them.

Thanks,
Ismael

[arcticwolf]

Jun 19, 2023 16:45:03 GMT -8 tatocorvette said:

Hello,

I am a decal hater/avoider so I may not be the best to ask, but: A light coat of lacquer clear over it can help with the curling. There used to be a decal sealer spray that came with decal paper. I think it was lacquer clear. My very limited experience with Cady decals was years ago and I had no issues with them.

Thanks,
Ismael

Testors Decal Bonder Spray 9200.

2 light coats let each dry for an hour.

or

Microscale Liquid Decal Film

Just brush it on. Works but tends to be a bit thick when done.

[Chris K. Hale]

At one time Cady were the only game in town and were for many years. He made the 2 to4 piece decals that way to avoid copyright claims. Layering them has always been difficult although I have to admit I never experienced problems. When purchasing Cady Decals these days make sure they are authentic Cady Decals. not those terrible "teresawolf" or many that are copied on everyday printers. These are junk and will create a host of problems coated or not. I have on a few occasions coated Cady decals with a single light coat of 1834 Testors Ultra Clear. The originals are thin, so that when layered they are not overly thick. I use distilled water, room temp and each layer is treated with a light coat of Solva-set to snuggle down or lay flat. depending on the application I use a coat of 1834 Clear over the completed decals, always allow a good amount of time in between layers so they dont move around while applying the second layer. Again Make sure of what you are buying, always get Real Cady Decals not desktop printer copies. basically most of the Ebay decals are copies, look fof the catalog part number on the corner most fakes dont have it. Handle with care I move them with a cosmetic sponge after applying not my finger. I hope that helps. I still have about 50 sheets that I hope to use someday .. ChrisThese are all Cady decals.. no problems at all.. Chris

[kyledehart5]

Some nice looking builds there. As a guy from Indiana I particularly love the Dominic Dobson machine and Foyt’s Gilmore livery is always outstanding.

[grandsport3]

Morning Fellows, Struggled all day yesterday apply Fred Cady #107 Team Mecom decal to my almost finished Hussein. Tried the FC solid center strip but it wiggled and stuck to my finger tip and started to turn into a sticky mess. White meatballs on sides were a fight too but by being careful got them in place. Tried using Testor's clear parts adhesive as an underlay or overlay works great on tires (as long as you're not using Fred Cady's). INDYCALs stripes and letters work BEST on tires. Major kit makers all know how to make decals that work. The three layer FC's were really bad. In the end I used the Accurate Miniatures center strip and stick on white meat balls. I did manage to get a FC white nose stripe flare (twice) over the AM stripe but the FC is opaque. A stick on white meatball will hide most of opaqueness. After the struggles with Fred Cady, I'm taking time off from him and working (a little) on a LS Chap 2C (got to get another of those) that I will use the modelers Chap 2D chassis and parts included for a louvered late 65 Chap 2 Riverside. I just some "CHAPARRAL" 427 finned valve cover decals by Starfighter from an Accurate Miniatures MacLaren on its engine I am putting in a Chap 2G that will be down the road, But will finish today putting IndyCals Firestone decals on the LS Chap 2C tires and painted the wheels (which are excellent. Thanx, for viewing, John