HMRS Methfix Transfers

3661 Views 7 Replies 5 Participants Last post by Anthony Richards, Jun 21, 2020

Graham Plowman

Discussion Starter · Jun 15, 2020

Hi All,

I've been using Pressfix transfers since the late 80's and never had any problems, but I've decided to have a go with HMRS Methfix transfers, grabbed by the promise of a better finish.

I like the way they are applied and the results do look good, but I am having something like a 90% 'failure to stick rate'.
No matter what I do, whether the surface is gloss or matt, the transfers fall off when dried, presumably because the 'glue' isn't activating or it just isn't sticking. The surface is Railmatch paints, BR Bauxite.
I have followed the instructions on the pack regarding mixture and application.

The meths which is commonly available here in Australia is sold under the brand of 'Diggers' as 'Methylated Sprits'. It is described as 'denatured alcohol' - exactly as written on the HMRS instructions. It is transparent in appearance - looks like water.

When I grew up in the UK in the 1970's, my grandfather had a 'Mammod' traction engine which was fired with methylated spirit. My father also used the same meths for methfix transfers at the time. From memory, the spirit was purple in colour and it smelled very different (pungent) to what what the Diggers stuff I am using now for the HRMS transfers does.

I suspect that the meths here may not be the same as that in the UK and obviously, what the Methfix transfers are designed to work with.

Can anyone offer any tips please, particularly anyone in Oz or NZ ?

Thanks

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Julian2011

· #4 · Jun 15, 2020

I have never used them, but this extract might throw some light on the matter...

snip<Use a solution of 3 parts meths to 1 water. With a scalpel carefully cut around the transfer from the side the images appear reversed. Only cut through the layer that carries the transfers, not the backing paper that supports it, so that you can then peel it away. Position it on the model and brush the meths mixture on. By wetting it the image should now be visible through the soaked tissue. Move it into position and when happy gently press the transfer down. Gently brush on more of the mixture until the tissue moves off. The transfer can be adjusted still, but once it's correctly positioned soak away the surplus liquid and give it a light brushing with a decal setting solution. snip>

another contribution...

Snip> a quick footnote to my post. I've been using methfix today, and remembered that once you've soaked the transfer paper with the meths mix you can let it dry in position. Then if you brush just water on it the tissue should float off. The meths mix softens the glue but the water doesn't affect it - it just loosens the paper. >snip

I hope these might help.

Julian

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