I have aways been a user of waterslide transfers but i can see some advantages in using stencils as well. Can anyone give me their views on this and also direct me to where I might be able to buy some stencils for 1/35th scale WW2 british vehicles?

Mike,

I've used both with great success. The only big advantage of stencils or dry transfers over decals is the customization. With the kit decals you're limited to what they give you. Dry transfers allow you to customize and make specific markings.

My personal recommendation is Archer Fine Transfers. They can be found here. http://www.archertransfers.com/

I have ordered from them and found them to be easy to deal with. I had a problem with their product and the president of the company took care of it personally. They stand by their product for as long as you own it. You can even screw up the application process and they will replace the transfer!

I highly recommend them.

Umm .... are you asking about stencils as in "thin sheets with holes" where one uses the holes as templates/masks for painting ?
I haven't used that type of stencils (even though I own a stencil for 1/35 modern Bundeswehr markings) but I would imagine that stencils would give more "natural" looking results, especially if the paint is sprayed on in such a way that it doesn't cover completely (white or yellow over a dark background).
I wouldn't attempt using stencils with a normal paint brush, it would probably work but .....

/ Robin

Have you looked here for GB WW II stencil ?
http://www.scalelink.co.uk/acatalog/Stencilit___Pochoirs.html
You'll need to scroll down a bit .....

or maybe here (at least find the product/manufacturer to search for)
http://www.bnamodelworld.com/military-vehicles-tanks-parts-decals-for-1:35-scale-paint-masks-stencils?extra_filter_id=1&max_display=100&scales_filter_id=1%2F35&page=2

I have used PE stencils and the result is very good however you have to completely mask a big area around, an take care not to airbrush too much paint so it flows under the stencil.

Also they can be difficult to apply on small or irregular surfaces... Oh, and sometimes you need to finish the paint with a brush because of the supporting arms for inner shapes.

In a word, more work and practice needed but excellent results. And reusable.

And no worries about silvering under the decal film.
Waterslide decals don't work all that great on a zimmerit surface

Thanks to everyone for their helpful replies. I had completely forgotten about dry transfers and I appreciate the hints and tips regarding stencils. It's a pity that no one seems to sell flexible stencils for our hobby as they are ( or were) widely available for graphic artists. Perhaps a manufacturer will take note or maybe I have missed them?
Mike

The available "customer base" is rather limited, it's almost only the advanced modelers who will use stencils + paint instead of waterslide decals or dry transfers.
It's sort of a bad circle, there are very few available so very few use them so the manufacturers don't see it as a possible market so there is very little to choose from so there are very few modelers who will use them et.c.

A further complication is that most stencils will last a very long time, a set of waterslide decals or dry transfers is used up fairly quickly ....

Waterslide decals and dry transfers covers most of our wants and needs, if the decals in the kit aren't the desired markings then there will soon be an aftermarket decal set from someone ...

/ Robin

I have used stencils as well as water slide. My problem with stencils is finding the right air pressure and paint consistancy to avoid paint bleed under the stencil and the nuisance of a fuzzy edge. There is though another alternative in 'rub down' transfers usually available at stationery stores. Letraset spring to mind. If you want white letters/ numbers and allied stars for instance, just paint those areas white on the unpainted model and when dry apply the rub downs. Spray your base coat etc as usual. When dry remove the transfers with sticky tape and you should have white details. HTH...

Brilliant!