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Built Review
135
Old French Commercial Signs
Old French Commercial Signs
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Matho Models increases their range of 1/35 decals with item 35117, a sheet of Old French Commercial Signs. Matho Models is known for his wide range of diorama products spanning decades: plants; 3D printing; photo-etched fences; resin items; ceramic walls; decals; and more. While Matho Models focuses on 1/35, many of these products are suitable for other scales.

Old French Commercial Signs
These decals are crisply printed with opaque ink upon very thin carrier film. Matho Models states the following features:
    • water-slide decals with separated film (they come off automatically one-by-one, no need to cut to the edges)
    • semi-matte finish
    • ultra-thin decal will adapt well to any surface
    • Hi-definition printing gives a crisp result, even in the smallest details
    • colors are accurate and colorfast
    • 1:35 scale, but can also be used for other scales

The printed area of the decals extend almost to the edge of the decal film. No trimming involved.

However, only a few multiple-word decals are printed as individual decals. Individual words are printed as separate decals for most of the decals. No doubt this was done to avoid large areas of carrier film with nothing printed upon it.

Instructions
Matho Models includes directions for use of these decals on Old French Commercial Signs' webpage. What is listed about only soaking the decals for 5-10 seconds - pay heed. My first decal began to curl in the water and it was difficult to unwrap it. The next decal was 5-10 seconds in the water and performed beautifully. Mecanique Generalle Location Auto was placed over a gloss clear coat. It dried without silvering. Droguerie was placed over dry wall. While it set without silvering, there were some bubbles. Those were removed with weathering.

By the way, Mecanique Generalle Location Auto was placed on a 1/87 building, while Droguerie is on a 1/35 building.

Except for the curling (operator error) these decals are a joy to use.

Conclusion
Old French Commercial Signs are a winner for Matho Models. The crisp opaque printing, exceptionally thin carrier film, and minimal excess film along the edges are what decals should be. I am not disappointed by the individual decals for each word of some signs as it minimizes the chance for silvering. The only potential low is if you soak the decal to long and they curl.

I find these 1/35 decals a joy to use. They are versatile in that they can be used with other scales. They allow the modeler create an atmosphere of location and era. Recommended.

Please remember to mention to vendors and retailers that you saw this product here - on ARMORAMA.
SUMMARY
Highs: Crisply printed on thin carrier film. Opaque printing. They can be used with other scales than just 1/35.
Lows: No low if you soak the decal per the instructions.
Verdict: These decals are a joy to use. They allow the modeler create an atmosphere of location and era.
  Scale: 1:35
  Mfg. ID: 35117
  PUBLISHED: Dec 05, 2020
  NATIONALITY: France
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 93.75%

Our Thanks to Matho Models!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. All rights reserved.



Comments

These look very useful in light of the French village dio that I have going on (slowly) in the background that could so benefit from improved signage.
DEC 08, 2020 - 03:48 PM
   
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