Cromm Cruac Posted September 8, 2015 Share Posted September 8, 2015 (edited) Guys, I have a problem with Micro Sol application. It simply does nothing to the decals. I'm applying the decals according to all instructions (coat of Klear > wet in warm water > brush micro set > slide off > position > press > apply micro sol) but Micro Sol does not conform the decals to the model (e.g. panel lines). In fact it does nothing at all, just dries out leaving the decal flat as it was. Decals are never wrinkled after applying Sol like on the video tutorials and remain untouched. I've applied it couple of times on the same decal but no luck - decal is still flat. What I'm doing wrong? Edited September 8, 2015 by Cromm Cruac 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beardie Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 What make of decal is it? Some decals can be pretty thick and if this is the case something stronger will be needed to 'melt' them into place. I have found that Airfix decals can be quite heavy and need a number of applications of Micro sol to settle them down. Thin decals on the other hand will usually bed down first go and very fine ones you need to avoid using Micro sol at all as they will disintegrate. I would suggest something like Daco 'Strong version' as this is more powerful than Micro sol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAG058 Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 What beardie said. I have this problem quite a lot. I think it's the thickness of the decals also. Airfix being the main offender. There new kits are good, the older ones not so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snapper_city Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 I have heard using Tamiya X20A in place of set and sol if they are not cutting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan P Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 If it's really bad, try using Tamiya Extra Thin Cement. (Try this on an inconspicuous part first!) As long as it doesn't discolour the paint, it's very good for softening the decals and eliminating silvering. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cromm Cruac Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 The decals I have problem now are from Academy and yes, they seem pretty thick. Previously I've used Airfix ones. They were thinner but still they were barely conforming to the panel lines. I'll try something else than Micro Sol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwh Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Although Micro Sol and Micro Set solutions work on other decal ranges, it should be born in mind that this was part of a decal system namely microscale decals which were exceptionally thin. When used with these decals it was near perfect all the time. My only recommendation is to try additional applications until satisfied, I have had to sometimes apply 4 coats till decal seated. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CurrantBunbury Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 I'm glad you asked this question, Cromm. I had the same experience with the decals from an Airfix Canberra and wondered if it was down to my not having applied the Micro Sol properly or if the thickness of the decals might be part of it. Sounds like it could be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelpillow Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Has anybody put together a "strength league" of decal softeners? Would be really useful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 I find that the Daco "Strong" decal setting solution works well for thicker decals. HTHAndy 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntPhillips Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Academy decals are some of the worst offenders, and IIRC it was on an Academy kit that the use of Tamiya X20A paint thinner was first mentioned. Regarding decal softeners from my personal experience I'd say the order of strength is as follows (weakest first): Daco Soft Daco Medium / Micro Sol Daco Strong Solvaset There is also Mr Mark Softer, but I have no experience of this one so not sure where it would fall. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old thumper Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 I use Humbrol Decalfix which works perfectly even on ancient Matchbox and Airfix decals, all you need to do is wet the surface with decalfix before positioning the decal and then brush over the decal making sure the area is soaked. After a few hours the decal will have conformed nicely and you can clean the model with a kitchen towel and warm water if need be. A word of caution with Decalfix. While I use enamel paints and have had no problems, other forum members that use acrylics have had their models ruined after using Decalfix as it apparently melts acrylic paint. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mal Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Some waterslide decals will not respond to setting solutions, Draw decals for example their instructions state that setting solutions will have no effect on their decals (quite true I tried it before reading the instructions), they advise to use very hot water pressing the decals down with a hot cloth hey presto their decals settled down with no carry film to be seen. I’ve noticed Tamiya also state the same in their instructions although in the case of their decals setting solutions do seem to work. Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cromm Cruac Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 Seems that Mr Mark Softer does the trick with Academy decals (I found this post on our forum) so I've ordered it. I'll let you know how it'll go with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 Mr Mark Softer and Mr Mark Setter are pretty good decal solutions, with Softer being the more aggressive. I'd like to get a bottle of the Daco Strong solution, but keep forgetting Is it possible that your Micro Sol is past its smell-by date? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cromm Cruac Posted September 9, 2015 Author Share Posted September 9, 2015 Dunno, I bought both Set and Sol few months ago on eBay, but who knows when they've been manufactured. Sol still smells but not that strong as Set which has a distinct vinegar-ish smell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cromm Cruac Posted September 11, 2015 Author Share Posted September 11, 2015 I've tested Mr Mark Softer but to no avail. The decals hasn't soften at all. Maybe they are just to thick or made with some material that Softer or Sol does not react with. At least I can confirm that softer does not react with Klear at all. It does not cloud it like Sol sometimes does. I didn't want to go radical and use Tamiya glue as suggested, in fear that I may damage the surface, so I've taken a toothpick and gently pressed the decals along the lines and rivets when it dried out. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homerlovesbeer Posted September 11, 2015 Share Posted September 11, 2015 Didu try cutting the decals with a blade along the panel lines so the sol or mr Hobby mark softer can conform it easier? That works a treat as does using a cocktail stick to gently push it into the panel lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gremlin56 Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Mr Mark Softer and Mr Mark Setter are pretty good decal solutions, with Softer being the more aggressive. I'd like to get a bottle of the Daco Strong solution, but keep forgetting Is it possible that your Micro Sol is past its smell-by date? Mark Softer and Mark Set are the only decal liquids I use. They give fantastic results. Just my ........................ Julian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Brown Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 ..... (coat of Klear > ....... A coat of Klear onto the model ready for the decals, or are you putting a coat of Klear actually onto the decals before using the decal solution? The forum is good but the later may well be the problem. HTH, Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 Thanks for liking the forum Rick! some folks actually add their decals onto a dot of Klear, which I understand works well in a lot of cases. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cromm Cruac Posted September 15, 2015 Author Share Posted September 15, 2015 @Rick, coat of Klear as a base for decals. I understand that after spraying Klear onto the decals nothing would soften them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick Brown Posted September 15, 2015 Share Posted September 15, 2015 A coat of Klear onto the model ready for the decals, or are you putting a coat of Klear actually onto the decals before using the decal solution? The forum is good but the later may well be the problem. HTH, Rick. B~~~~~g iPad auto correct! Yep, should have read "former" not forum. But then again, I do like the forum, even when the Boss............ Glad you cleared up the Klear question chap. Rick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAccrington Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Hi guys, I don't know bout you guys but Mig Production decal softener works wonder for me. It smooth decal and increases grip on irregular surfaces like bumps or cavities. http://www.bnamodelworld.com/hobby-tools-supplies-decal-supplies-mig-productions-mig-p252 http://migproductionswebshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=583 yYou guys may check it out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAccrington Posted October 20, 2015 Share Posted October 20, 2015 Micro sol works just fine for me and have not heard any problem with it before. Maybe you can try Decal Softener by MIG Productions. Good feedbacks tho http://www.bnamodelworld.com/hobby-tools-supplies-decal-supplies-mig-productions-mig-p252 http://migproductionswebshop.com/product_info.php?products_id=583 Good Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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