Humbrol Decal fix

[MagyarMatt]

Does anyone rate this product at all? I brought a bottle and whilst it is good at stopping the problems I had with silvering on some previous builds I find it doesn't sink the decal into any panel lines.

I applied decal fix to the area then soaked the decal in warm water before placing on the model and applying some more decal fix but no luck.

Should I be soaking the decal in the decal fix as well or is this stuff not as good as claimed?

[JimHead23]

I must admit to really liking this product. I have been using it for about a year and find it sinks the decals into panel lines but I do leave the decals for about three days after application and always apply to a Klear coated surface.

I noticed the instructions do say to soak the decal in the product but I still use water.

Regards

Jim

[Max Headroom]

It's not perfect. Look at the tailplanes here

and under the codes here

Both are from my recent build of the Airfix 1/72 Spitfire I for the BoB group build. I used the same technique that I had used when using old formula Kleer/Future.

Trevor

[MagyarMatt]

I must admit to really liking this product. I have been using it for about a year and find it sinks the decals into panel lines but I do leave the decals for about three days after application and always apply to a Klear coated surface.

I noticed the instructions do say to soak the decal in the product but I still use water.

Regards

Jim

Wow 3 days!!

I should mention that I also applied it directly onto a matt finish paint as I heard that it doesn't get on to well if you put it on to humbrol gloss varnish. Is this the case or should it not be a problem?

[JimHead23]

I have heard that people get results on matt finishes but I've never tried it that way.

[Buddyboy12]

I've used it on humbrol clear and it's worked ok, just make sure any excess is wiped as it can mark it.

Andy

[old thumper]

I only use enamel paint so read no further if you use acrylics as I have heard very bad stories from acrylic users.

Decalfix works much better than anything else I have used on enamels, but it does not work well straight on matt paint. I either spray matt paint with humbrol glosscote or buff it down to a shine with a cloth before using decalfix, I have tried klear but have noticed it is more likely to silver.

I always soak the decal in water and position with plenty of decalfix. The important thing is not to wipe the decalfix off after positioning, it is fine to push the decal down with a moist cloth but always apply decalfix back over the decal afterwards and leave over night to dry naturally.

Decalfix works great straight on alclad or enamel gloss.

[MagyarMatt]

I only use enamel paint so read no further if you use acrylics as I have heard very bad stories from acrylic users.

Decalfix works much better than anything else I have used on enamels, but it does not work well straight on matt paint. I either spray matt paint with humbrol glosscote or buff it down to a shine with a cloth before using decalfix, I have tried klear but have noticed it is more likely to silver.

I always soak the decal in water and position with plenty of decalfix. The important thing is not to wipe the decalfix off after positioning, it is fine to push the decal down with a moist cloth but always apply decalfix back over the decal afterwards and leave over night to dry naturally.

Decalfix works great straight on alclad or enamel gloss.

I didn't really want to put it straight on the matt paint but then I've read that the stuff reacts with humbrol clear varnish which I was using.

I was wiping it away though so next time I'll leave it and see if that helps.

Thanks.

Edited April 30, 2016 by MagyarMatt

[rod mcq]

Humbrol have a video on how to get the best results from Decalfix on their website

http://www.humbrol.com/uk-en/support/how-to-use-humbrol-product-videos

[Yimkin]

Just used it to soak an instrument panel decal onto a raised panel. First time I've used it, seemed OK, needed a bit of prodding, and would be wary of using it on fragile decals if any manipulation was needed. Cost me 6 quid for a bottle, eek!

[Timbo343]

Ive been using the Humbrol Decalfix since Christmas 2015 (when i bought my first proper model). Its ok stuff if you paint it on and leave it to cure for about a minute to 2 minutes. I leave the decal to soak in ordinary tap water for about a minute too. Once the decal is in place, i use kitchen roll to soak up any excess. Once its had time to settle, i put an extra layer of decalfix over the decalfix top of the decal, the seems to give better results. It does leave a mark behind but this can be removed with some water and a gentle rub.

Ive just received some Microsol and Microset from emodels, damm that stuff's expensive! £4.50 for 1 fl.oz which is about 29ml. The humbrol decalfix i bought was £6.99 for 150ml. It's lasted through 8 1:24 f1 models and only used about 1/3 of it.

Let's say ill be using the Microset and Microsol on uneven areas or areas that need decals to almost skin to the model. Decalfix will be used flat smooth surfaces.

Edited May 7, 2016 by Timbo343