Tried something new.

[BlackOps]

On my Beaufighter build I tried Micro sol decal setting solution for the first time today, too cool! If you haven't tried it you should...if you have tried it you know what I mean

For those not in the know, it softens the decal and helps it conform to the models surfaces. This means each and every seam and rivet looks like your decal was painted on rather than stuck over top. (this means you don't lose any detail)

I know this stuff has been around forever but it's the first time I tried it and I'm hooked!

jeff G.

[John Howling Mouse]

Yep, great stuff.  Did you use it in conjunction with their MicroSet, too?

Just have to watch because some decals really self-destruct in MicroSol.

And, if you want to make your own, just do what they do: dilute some vinegar.

[dragon]

It is great stuff.  However do not use too much if you have used TESTORS Glosscote before applying decals.  It has been known to eat through the glosscote in the same outline as the decal (giving you some unintended surface detail).  The decals may also wrinkle as they soften, just don't give in to the temptation to touch these decals, they will unwrinkle and look painted on the model if you let the microsol do its thing.   B)  

[BlackOps]

Haven't tried the Micro Set yet, wanted to try the Micro Sol first.



Jeff G.

[The Rat]

And, if you want to make your own, just do what they do: dilute some vinegar.

Now he tells me.    I wondered why I couldn't get a buzz sniffing my old bottle of Solvaset.    

[nev]

Or use Klear/Future

[Hobbes]

Future is nice, but Microsol works differently: it softens (dissolves?) the decal film, so the decals will follow the surface of the model, e.g. sink into panel lines.
Future doesn't do this, it just prevents silvering.  

[Leigh]

The decals may also wrinkle as they soften, just don't give in to the temptation to touch these decals, they will unwrinkle and look painted on the model if you let the microsol do its thing.   B)

Hugely important glad somebody pointed it out, first time I did big decals with this stuff they all wrinkled up and looked like they were ruined. Fortunately I managed to employ my greatest modelling technique, the ability to do nothing and not attempt an immediate fix. Walked away and let them sit overnight and damned if the next day they weren't sucked into every crevice , perfectly smooth looking like they were painted on.

And I've always had a suspicion it was vinegar 'cos it sure tastes like it, dont ask :dum:  

[nev]

Future is nice, but Microsol works differently: it softens (dissolves?) the decal film, so the decals will follow the surface of the model, e.g. sink into panel lines.
Future doesn't do this, it just prevents silvering.

Er, it pulls the decals into the panel lines on my models!  B)  

[PR19_Kit]

5 year bump!

What's the difference between Microsol and Microset please?

I've used them both indiscriminately for years, never taking much notice of the red or blue bottle, but when using Microset on the Corrogard decals for my 777-900 the decals shrivelled up and yet Microsol worked a treat. The guff on each bottle ignores the existance of the other one, and yet I thought they were both parts of some Grand Plan for decalling.

[JayBee]

Microsol softens the transfer.
Microset , as it dries, pullls the (softened) decal down over the surface details.
They are meant to both be used.

Me? I use Kleer 

Jim

[frank2056]

Me? I use Kleer 

Or Future, here in the US. I find that Kleer/Future does an even better job of sucking down decals as it dries.

[PR19_Kit]

OK, thanks. 

I found that the 'sol also pulls the decal into the detail, which is handy when Corrogarding as you don't have to be that accurate in cutting the stuff to shape. As it puls into the panel lines you can then scalpel along the panel lines you need, and 'bingo'.

I'll give the 'set a go on some of the other decals, I don't have enough of the 747 stuff to risk it on these wings.

[Hobbes]

Me? I use Kleer 

Or Future, here in the US. I find that Kleer/Future does an even better job of sucking down decals as it dries.

I recently used Future on some decals, and was unimpressed. The decals were on a light gray or white background, and the Future showed up rather well; it dried up yellowish instead of clear.

[Mossie]

I find that Microset really helps the decals adhere to the model, but I only use it on troublesome decals.  If the decal already adheres well, it won't budge at all if you use Microset.