Help!! LOL!

[kod38]

Hey guys,
Can someone tell me about decal solvent and decal set?
Which one goes first?
Do you use both?
Thank you.
Doug R

[The Mad Modeller]

I just started using the stuff myself and I was told Micro Set is not as harsh as Solveset. That about all I know.

[67impala427]

My understanding is you use the decal set first to make the decals stick. The solvent is used to make decals conform to curved or uneven surfaces and contours.

Alex.

[The Mad Modeller]

I used Micro Set on my NASCAR T-Bird. They laid down nice. If you cant find any out your way I can get you some Doug.

[kod38]

Thanks guys,
I doesn't really say on the bottle.
I will look for Micro set. I know I have seen it up in Portland.
Doug

[ninja90177]

I've been using this stuff for a while, so I can tell you how I use it. You may find a better way, but this has worked out great for me for a couple years.

1. Once your decal is cut out of the paper, get some luke-warm water on it until it's ready to separate from the paper backing.

2. Apply a little bit of the MicroSet on the area where the decal will be. Then put the decal down on the model. After the decal's on it, it's gonna be a bit of a pain to move around, so brush/dab on a little bit of water to keep the decal moist. You should be able to move it around a little easier to get it in the right position.

3. Dab out the excess water with a paper towel or whatever you prefer.

4. Let it sit for a few minutes. If it's under a warm light, it may only be seconds.

5. Apply some MicroSol and BE CAREFUL. This stuff won't really eat the decal away, but the slightest touch will rip it to pieces. Sounds scary, but once you try it, you'll see how the stuff works.

6. With the softest brush you have, keep a close eye on the decal and apply small amounts of MicroSol slowly in areas with large wrinkles.

As the solvent works it's magic over the decal, it'll "shrink" it into place, pulling the decal into small edges and nooks. If you're doing a large, more flat surface, it's very easy and takes only a couple minutes. If you're doing something like adding carbon fiber to a seat back or something with alot of details that the decal needs to conform to, then it may take a minute or 2 more.

Like I said, this is my experience with the stuff and I haven't "lost" any decals yet. Wish I could say the same for solvaset.

One more note about using this stuff. Different manufacturers have different decals in terms of thickness, printed ink, and silvering problems. This stuff works all the way around. I have, however, noticed that newer Tamiya models, Studio 27, and SMS decals are of the utmost highest quality. These decals play well with MicroSol/MicroSet. Revell and other kits seem to have thick decals with silvering problems, and by using this system, will eliminate them completely.

Lastly, when you do get these products, pop the tops open and take a quick smell. You'll find the ingredients to be rather, well, common. I've been working for about 8 months trying to make my own, and i'm getting close. I could literally make a gallon of each for the price of these 2 little bottles. ;D

Lemme know if you have any questions or anything. I'll be more than glad to help out.

[ninja90177]

I completely forgot to add something that helped me get started with the stuff.

If you use q-tips, you can apply small decals to the the larger letters on the sprue trees from most models. I practiced applying the decals to the letters on the trees from tamiya models, 'cause they're generally a little larger than some of the other companies. That way, you can see how the decal gets pulled into the crevices.

[kod38]

ninja90177 said:

I completely forgot to add something that helped me get started with the stuff.

If you use q-tips, you can apply small decals to the the larger letters on the sprue trees from most models. I practiced applying the decals to the letters on the trees from tamiya models, 'cause they're generally a little larger than some of the other companies. That way, you can see how the decal gets pulled into the crevices.

You rock!!
Great information.
Thanks.
Doug R