Help needed with UCS X-Wing Stickers

Mynatt

To be more specific, I am having with the stickers that go on the transparent windscreen. 

Round one: I placed the large sticker on the face and it had a few air bubbles in it, I took it off (ruining the sticker in the process) and it resulted in leaving a sticky residue on the windscreen, which to this day is still there. It seems to be impossible to get off the piece.

Round 2: I asked lego for a replacement part along with another set of stickers.

How do I place the sticker with no air bubbles and make the piece look like there is no sticker on it as in the advertised photo?

I also did follow the instructions on how to place the sticker but I still had issues. 

madforLEGO

I believe WD-40 should remove the residue, or goo gone. Just make sure you REALLY clean the piece with soap and water. Not the final answer by far, but the only thing I can think of to apply the sticker on clear pieces is the same way you apply those clear protector sheets onto cellphone screens, which is use something like a credit card and slowly peel onto the windshield and rub out the bubbles as they occur. Of course, if you do this you may cause the sticker to easily dog ear (lift at a corner) later in its application as it will apply a bit 'curved'.
Of course the other option would be do not apply them and display as it looks, Or apply them as best as you can but buy another sticker sheet as a back up because it seems that these stickers these days are garbage compared to years past.

xwingpilot

I managed to apply mine okay - it really is just a case of following the instructions to the letter. Apply slowly, and smooth down all the way across as you go to minimise air bubbles.

Regarding replacement stckers - #10240 should come with two canopy sticker sheets (mine did anyway). 

suprajames

Having recently built this I know how tricky they are. Start with the large main sticker, peel completely from backing then line up the front edge approx 1mm from edge of actual canopy, try to just stick the very edge of the sticker so if you dont get it spot on you can move it without too much trouble. Once the edge is lined up and you are happy, using a thumb gently press down working up the sticker from side to side this should ensure it goes down evenly and stops air bubbles. Be careful using a spreader like tool for ironing out any bubbles as the stickers are quite fragile and could tear/rip with pressure from a tool.  I have a felt edged tool for applying vinyl to cars, but probably a bit big for this job.
I also got two sets of stickers for the canopy.

Mynatt

**** I got an air bubble. 

The force is not strong with this one.

Mynatt

You would think that for $200 you would get more printed elements. Mind you that would be nice for most sets.

CCC

You shouldn't worry about aligning stickers, as they'll peel off in a couple of years anyway. :-)

dehnehsu

You might be able to remove the sticker residue by using Masking, Packaging or Transparent tape. Just lay the tape on top and pull up. Keep repeating until the residue is gone.

Mynatt

CCC said:

You shouldn't worry about aligning stickers, as they'll peel off in a couple of years anyway. :-)

Shots fired.

HangedSanchez

I built this, looked at the sticker and the cockpit piece, and chickened out completely. I didn't even try to apply it...

MattsWhat

Has anyone tried using a very sharp knife to make a hole in bubble and then sticking down (letting the air escape through the hole).  I use this technique all the time with wallpaper (I'm not very good at it...).  Surely one tiny nick in the sticker is less noticable than a bubble - it will just look like a tiny bit of dust I would have thought.  YMMV on this people - I haven't tried.

khmellymel

^ Maybe a pin instead of a knife?

EDIT:  I too am not suggesting that you use this method, I've never tried it!

MattsWhat

^maybe, but a pin makes a hole, whereas a craft knife makes only a line. I would have thought that a craft knife would result in less stretching/tearing of the sticker.  Maybe if you were very neat with a pin.  I'm going to give this a go anyway unless someone comes along and says otherwise, I think I have a UCS plate somewhere with a bubble from a, er.., previous owner... for a friend. :$

Legoboy

Me!  I used a pin to puncture one of the wing stickers of my Sopwith.  Worked a treat and barely noticeable.  Just a tiny nick was enough to let the air out.

Transparent stickers need very little to mess them up however.  Ignoring greasy fingerprints, the worst is when the glue settles and the sticker is then needed to be taken up.  It never goes down again as well as it did the first time.  The glue leaves noticeable streaks through the transparent sticker.  If I were brave enough to attempt my canopy, I wouldn't hesitate piecing the sticker with a pin.  No way would I attempt to take it up a partially applied transparent sticker.

tecjam

I also received 2 copies of the stickers for the cockpit shield. But I do not apply stickers.

But alas I agree with the general sentiment, if #75101 and #75102 come with printed parts (cockpit screen) and they are for playing and well below 100 EURO, why in hell can't a 200 EURO set that is meant to be for display only come with at least 1 printed piece??!!

Claiming to be annoyed by this would be an understatement.

ricecake

Another tip I've heard for transparent stickers is to do them in the bathroom after running a hot shower or sink, as the steam will knock the dust out of the air so you're less likely to get dust on the sticker before applying it.

CCC

Another trick is to wash the part with soapy water, then put the sticker on the wet slightly soapy surface. You can slide it around a little like applying a decal. The downside is leaving it at least overnight to dry.

It may be coincidence but all stickers I have applied that way have not peeled.

Legoboy

^ Exactly.  Many times I've been found lying on the bathroom floor (door unlocked) with the hot taps running full whack.  Remember to disable the extractor fan to steam it right up. I do this to mount the screen protectors on the family mobile phones or tablets and it really does work.

CCC

A further trick for aligning bigger stickers is to cut them out as close to the edges as you can. While on the backing paper, position them and then masking tape one edge. Then fold over, peel of the backing paper from the taped edge and slowly apply from the taped edge making sure you don't get bubbles. That way you get perfect alignment.

luckyruss

HangedSanchez said:

I built this, looked at the sticker and the cockpit piece, and chickened out completely. I didn't even try to apply it...

Snap! These are all really useful tips though, might be tempted to have a go...

Sethro3

I'm glad I read this. I have that set unbuilt currently and I've always been hesitant about that sticker...I might not put it on, but if I do, I think steamy air + soapy water will be the way to go. Is it possible to have too much humidity?

steveomcl

Just set the canopy on a table pull the sticker back slightly and start from the top! Take a deep breath and take it slowly! Line up the first edge and press down! If needs be get another pair of hands to slowly peel back the paper as you push out the air with a standard credit card! Once the top of the canopy is applied you can slowly bend down the sides! 

Honestly I hesitated even putting the sticker on but then said YOLO! First attempt and it looks great still fully attached after 1 year! Just slow down and don't be afraid to ask for help!