The familiar "birdcage" canopy from the early part of the Second World War has often caused frustration. Here's a simple method to make your models look sharp using decal trim film.

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Thanks!

Great tutorial Jessica, and a really neat technique. I will definitely be trying this one out in the near future.

Thanks for sharing.

Cheers, D

good tutorial Jessica
I'm very tempted to try it

Hi Jessica
I've tried this in past,but couldn't stop the paint from flaking off the decal when I cut it. Do you use acrylic as I tried or enamels? Thanks,

I used enamels for this demonstration, and quite hot water when soaking them. I do agree that the paint may flake, especially when it's bent sharply. It's been my experience that the thicker the paint, the more likely it is to flake.

Do you coat the canopy with Future at any time?

Generally after the decals have dried and any necessary tweaking has been done I'll seal it all down with Future. Once that's dry the frames may or may not get a brushing with clear flat.

I've done this using spare decals from kits and a single brush coat Tamiya acrylic without problems, most recently on my Arado Ar196 for Ancient Airfix campaign. Masks are better if available, this is my preferred alternative.

Excellent tutorial. Window frames have been one of my hang ups.

Ah, jessica, you reminded me of this just Days after I finished taping all the glass on my Airfix P-61

I've also used painted decal film for other features, like the scuff strips on my F-102 (that I forgot to paint when I did the rest of the flat black )

Jessica, what's your source of clear flat?

I use Humbrol mostly, but any brushable clear flat coat will work.

Thanks...

Many years ago I used this very technique for 1/72 scale aircraft. Simple and effective. Back then all we had was enamel paints. There was a certain amount of stretch in the dried paint, which would makes it preferable over acrylics.
Joel