Submitted by Nick Hills

When applying decals, it helps to have a wet surface. Use a mixture of about 1qt. water to a tsp. of dishwashing detergent, or Windex. Spray the solution liberally to the decals sticky side, and to the location of the decal on the rocket. Position decal on the rocket perfectly. Squeegee excess solution from between decal and rocket. Let dry.

After the decal has dried, you can protect the decal and paint with a clear coat such as clear spray acrylic. Make sure your rocket has had about a week for the finish to cure. Test some of the acrylic on some of the overspray in your spray booth, or cardboard box, or Italian marble floor, whatever you use. Make sure the paint doesn't soften, bubble, or otherwise act funny. After the week drying time, just follow the dirctions on the can of whatever clear coat you use. Use a lot of the clear coat, 5 thin coats isn't outrageous on a large rocket that you are more concerned with the appearance than the performance of.

The most important tip is to take your time and be attentive to detail. If all of this is done, you should have a terrific finish of your rocket.