Sometimes the only way to properly letter a model is by using single characters cut from a sheet. But aligning individual characters can be a challenge, both vertically and horizontally, especially in a limited space (such as between two windows or hatches on a fuselage side).
I’ve found a way that works pretty well (for me, anyway). After I’ve cut the individual characters from the decal sheet, I arrange them in order on a piece of Scotch tape (on the back sides of the decals, of course). That way, I can dip and slide a whole string of characters at once; the only thing left to do is to shift the characters into place while they’re still wet. This way, you can be sure that the first and last characters are in the right place — because nothing is more frustrating than setting the first character in place, then getting to the last one only to find you should have put the first one (which is now dry) a millimeter to the left. I’ve found that this process works well for as many as 10 characters.
Tip submitted by:Greg KolasaWantage, N.J.