In the process of completing a model kit, decal application is often one of the final stages that defines the visual character of the piece. However, once a kit is finished and placed in a display, the specific choices made during this stage—such as the exact product used or the logic behind placement—are easily forgotten. This loss of information creates significant challenges when a collector attempts to replicate a successful finish on a future project or seeks to compare the aging and adhesion of different decal types over time.
What This Article Covers
This article outlines a systematic approach to logging decal data from a management-design perspective. We define a standardized list of record fields for decals and explain why maintaining this information is vital for evaluating finish results across an entire collection.
Essential Record Fields for Decals
To ensure a record is functionally useful for future reference, the following fields should be standardized in any hobby log:
- Decal Name: The specific product designation or set name used (e.g., “Generic Caution Marks” or a set dedicated to a specific series like Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM).
- Manufacturer: The brand responsible for the decals, such as official BANDAI SPIRITS products or various secondary manufacturers.
- Type: Categorizing the application method is essential for tracking finish quality. Common types include:
- Water Slide: Applied using water; standard for many high-detail kits like the RG (Real Grade) or MG (Master Grade) lines.
- Dry Transfer: Rub-on decals that provide a painted-on appearance.
- Sticker/Foil: Adhesive-backed labels commonly found in HG (High Grade) or SD kits.
- Placement Notes: Specific details on where decals were applied (e.g., “Left shoulder armor,” “Rear thrusters”) and any custom orientations or deviations from the manual.
Why Finish Comparison Matters
Hobby management is not just about inventory; it is about analyzing results over time. By maintaining detailed records of decal types and manufacturers across multiple kits, a collector can objectively compare how different products interact with various top-coats or plastic types.
For example, comparing the long-term adhesion of stickers versus water-slide decals becomes a matter of data rather than memory. This allows for more informed decision-making when planning a high-complexity build, such as a PG (Perfect Grade) kit, where the choice of finishing materials is critical to the final outcome.
Streamlining Your Records with GunplaLog
The primary difficulty in maintaining these details is the friction of recording them during the build process. We developed GunplaLog specifically to solve these information-management problems through a structured interface.
The app centers on the Kit Collection system, which allows you to organize your models by grade and series. Within each kit’s profile, you can utilize dedicated Decal Notes to log the specific name, manufacturer, and type of the markings used. These are integrated with Finish Notes, where you can record the interaction between decals and top-coats. By centralizing this data, GunplaLog ensures that the technical history of your finish is preserved, making it easy to review and compare your results across your entire collection.
You can start logging your own decal details by downloading the app here: GunplaLog on the App Store.
Summary
Transitioning from a reliance on memory to a structured recording habit is essential for sustaining a long-term hobby. By identifying and logging specific fields like decal type and manufacturer, you create a reliable knowledge base for your collection. This systematic approach ensures that the technical details of a build are as well-preserved as the model itself. For a broader look at why keeping this data in one place beats juggling separate tools, see One App or Three? Why Juggling a Paint App and a Kit Tracker Doesn’t Work.
This article organizes information from a recording and organizing perspective. If you notice an error or outdated information, please contact us. Last verified: July 2026
