Decal setting solutions

[rickshaw]

I'm looking for some decal setting solution.  Unsure what is out there.  Something that will preferably make the decals snuggle down as if they were painted on the surface (which is quite corrugated).   Is there anything out there which would do the job?

[TomZ]

I sometimes use MicroSet and MicroSol for that. MicroSet is a kind of glue you put under the decal for better adhesion. MicroSol softens the decal to make it fit in sharp corners etc.
Be sure to test it on some spare decals before you use it though. It can be too strong for some decals and then will destroy your decal.

TomZ

[dumaniac]

Hi Ricksaw

I only use the Microscale solutions.  They are not so good with older thick decals - like the old Esci decals.  If they are a bit slow to suck down, I use te tissue around my index finger and role the finger over the decal to push it down.  You need a steady hand - you can move the decal if you are too rough.

This is not to say there are or are not better products - I found the Microscale stuff a few decades ago and have stuck to it.

You need to gloss the paint work first to stop any silvering and then gloss spray on the decals to stabilse the decal.  but be careful if you are using masking tape - it can still lift the decal if it has too much stickiness - so i dab the masking tape on my clothing to pick up fibre or to lose some stickiness.

good luck

Bernie

[Mossie]

Another +1 for microset and microsol.

I've always found Microsol works well, even the most stubborn decals forming around sharp detail, although sometimes you might need two or three applications.

Microset is good, but I've sometimes found it works too well on some decals, it can fix them down hard, making it very difficult to move them.  The approach I tend to take now is to place the decal on the model, then when I've got it in the right place, use a brush coated in Microset to lift the edges carefully and get it underneath.

[The Rat]

If anyone knows what will settle down Carpena decals, let me know. I have a sheet of their Aeronavale roundels that are about as thick as cardboard, even had a tough time getting them to stay on the simple curve of a fuselage. Easier to let them dry and then glue them on. 

[kitnut617]

I found that you have to be careful if you use acrylic though, I've been using the acrylic clear lately but I was having difficulty bedding down some decals so I had saturated the decal with Microsol, I then found it softened up the acrylic too ---- 

[Librarian]

If anyone knows what will settle down Carpena decals, let me know. I have a sheet of their Aeronavale roundels that are about as thick as cardboard, even had a tough time getting them to stay on the simple curve of a fuselage. Easier to let them dry and then glue them on. 

On the occasions when the decal is too rare to replace etc I've found a good slop of white glue ( or canopy glue ), give it a minute, press down with a damp cloth (baby wipes are superb) then a very careful clean up on and around the decal. It dries clear so very effective. Practice a bit on some old decals first to get the hang

[The Rat]

If anyone knows what will settle down Carpena decals, let me know. I have a sheet of their Aeronavale roundels that are about as thick as cardboard, even had a tough time getting them to stay on the simple curve of a fuselage. Easier to let them dry and then glue them on. 

On the occasions when the decal is too rare to replace etc I've found a good slop of white glue ( or canopy glue ), give it a minute, press down with a damp cloth (baby wipes are superb) then a very careful clean up on and around the decal. It dries clear so very effective. Practice a bit on some old decals first to get the hang

Yep, that's what I wound up doing, after checking to see if I had remembered to slide them off the backing paper. They're just evil. 

[Captain Canada]

Microset and Microsol for me. I brush the decal with set, dip it in the water for a few seconds, then soften it up with sol by brushing it down with either a brush or a damp paper towel. Works for me....most of the time !

Guess I too will have to try the white glue trick !

[Father Ennis]

I vote for the Micro solutions ,too. However, I have also used Solvaset  for the truly difficult decals,or at least I did till I found ,one day, it had dissolved the brush in the lid ....   I have found that the best thing to use is a bit of sponge. Once you have applied the solution or solutions, press down firmly and at a 90° angle to the surface. This is the real key to getting the painted on look we all strive for. I use either the foam from a gaming miniature or a dense foam wedge from my makeup kit. Before you wankers say anything, I do stage makeup,on occasion.  BTW, I only use the Microsolve. the really hard to do decals,usually Microset and the sponge is all you need. Once again, I recommend the sponge. It conforms to the uneven surface and that is the key.