Italian Waffen SS 29. Waffen-Grenadier-Division
Helmet Decal: This decal replicates one being used
on a genuine Italian M33 Waffen SS Grenadier Division helmet.
The steps below show how the very aged helmet is given a new
lease of life by the application of a pre-aged Waffen-SS helmet
decal. |
|
Step 1. The original helmet
is very rusted, liner is missing, original decal is missing
or completely rusted away. Faint traces of green/grey field
paint exist, rusting to decal area with some grey/green areas.
A very rusted yet flat 'orange' SS decal is required to match
this helmet perfectly! |
|
Step 2. Match up the various
SS Runic decals and find the match closest to your helmet condition.
Make sure that you choose a decal suitable for the age and model
of the helmet. You don't want to add a decal to your helmet
that didn't exist for that model! I've chosen decal 'Runic
No 3' as it has almost identical rust colours and is
a 1st pattern Waffen SS runes which were used on these helmets. |
|
Step 3. Cut out the decal. Use
a sharp pair of scissors and make sure that you stick as close
to the outside edge of the decal as possible as you don't want
to get any of the white background in the decal. If you do get
some white sections you can paint these out with paint. The
reason these transfers are not 'ready cut' is that they are
produced by hand on a very small scale. They are not mass produced
Chinese versions! |
|
Step 4. After the decal is cut
out, just line it up in the area you want to place it. This
area will need to be sanded down to ensure good adherence. Just
make sure you cover all the area and approximately one centimeter
all round just to allow flexibility of placement. |
|
Step 5. Lightly sand down the
area you want to apply the decal. Use fine wire wool and do
not rub to hard. After all its going to spoil your helmet if
you get back to the base metal, so keep the pressure light!
The condition of the helmet dictates how much pressure to use! |
|
Step 6. Use warm water and place
it into a saucer. It needs to be about warm but not tepid or
boiling. You must ensure the decal is completely covered and
left from between 15 to 25 seconds. If you gently touch it and
it moves from its backing paper it is ready to apply. |
|
Step 7. Lift the decal from
the water using the backing paper. Gently slide it off onto
the area you want it applied. You can move it around gently
to ensure it is correctly in position. Once in position use
a tissue or light cloth to soak up all the excess water. Place
the tissue/cloth on the decal and press lightly. |
|
Step 8. After removing most
of the water as described above, use a cloth or tissue to gently
press out any bubbles or trapped water. Work from the centre
of the decal and gently but firmly push from the centre to the
edge of the decal. Repeat this until you are happy that any
trapped air or creases have been removed. |
|
Step 9. Mask around the outside
of the decal with masking tape, you want to get as close to
the edge as possible with the tape. I don't recommend hand varnishing,
I always use spray sealer. The only one that I can recommend
that wont damage your decal is 'Plasti-kote
Flat clear sealer'. Apply several coats but very lightly
and allow to dry between coats. Don't overdo it otherwise you
will get runs that are difficult to remove! |
|
Step 10. Using the sealer now
allows you to lightly sand, scratch or cut out areas of the
decal without the whole thing coming away from the helmet. In
my example I have made some very small holes through the decal
to the rusty metal surface underneath. Leaving it outside for
several weeks then helps to blend in the decal. Depending on
what finish you desire, you may not have to do this! It looks
the business now! |
Please Email
me if you want to order any decal or require
further information. |
|