Greetings, all. I searched this topic in the past but now I cannot seem to locate it. So, lately I’ve been having problems getting many of my decals to “MOVE” once I put them on the plane. They seem to STICK like glue and won’t budge. Am I not applying enough clear coat? Could I use a light solution of a dishwasher detergent to put on the plane and then the decal on top of that? I have been using fairly generous amounts of Microset on the area where the decal goes. And, these are new decals. Thanks for any help.
1 Like
Try putting down water on the model instead of the softener,even after the decal is down,move it around,then after it’s where you want,wick a little of the water off,then add a few drops of Micro Set carefully not moving it.
4 Likes
Decals are easily one of the most rage-inducing aspects of scale modelling, and it’s easy to get very “once bitten, twice shy” about them…
If you’re getting adhesion of the decal in the model, it sounds like it’s been over-softened with solution to the point that it’s become physically tacky. This can be near impossible to overcome, especially if the decal folds in itself and sticks to itself.
The solution on the model face is important, but I’d suggest just using water to get your release from the backing paper, and retaining just enough so that the decal remains mobile after landing on the model.
Once you’re in position, wick off the excess water like @Tojo72 suggested and then use your solution over the top to soften and fix the decal.
1 Like
I’ve been dealing with something very similar on the F-4 I’m just finishing, and after putting what feels like a million decals on that airplane, I’ve experimented with this quite a bit. 
Adding more water definitely helps keep the decal mobile, but I’ve found that if I use too much water, I seem to wash away too much of the adhesive. The decal doesn’t settle down quite as well, and I feel like I have a greater risk of silvering afterward.
What has been working really well for me is essentially floating the decal into position on a generous amount of Micro Set. I use more than I initially think I need, which gives me enough liquid underneath the decal to move it around and get the positioning exactly right. Once it’s where I want it, I wick away the excess and let the Micro Set do its job.
And if a decal does grab before I’ve got it where I want it, I’ve found that brushing a generous amount of Micro Set right over the top will usually get underneath it and release it from the surface again. As long as the decal hasn’t been sitting there drying for any length of time, I can generally get it floating again and reposition it without damaging it.
That’s been working wonderfully for me, and after all the decals I’ve just put on this F-4, I’ve certainly had plenty of opportunities to test the technique. 
3 Likes
That’s a good point, Darren. You are spot on. If the decal is being put into a setting solution before it ever gets onto the model, I could definitely see it starting to soften and becoming much more likely to grab the surface.
I only use plain water to release the decal from the backing paper. I guess I was taking that part for granted in my earlier post.
In fact, I’ve found that leaving a little of that water with the decal actually helps. I put the Micro Set on the model, then slide the decal off the backing paper with a little water still underneath it and float the whole thing onto the Micro Set. That combination gives me quite a bit of time to move it around before I wick away the excess.
The other thing I’d definitely avoid is Micro Sol, or an equivalent softening solution, until the decal is exactly where you want it. Once I put Micro Sol on, I consider the positioning part finished. It softens the decal enough that trying to move it afterward is asking for trouble.
1 Like
I just use water and leave for 24 hours,then I apply decal softener.
I’ve never used a setting solution.
1 Like
Yeah big PITA! I’ve nearly ruined a coupe models because decals refused to move. Like others have mentioned. I put water on the model now so it’s almost floating, position in, and use a paper towel to the side of the decal to absorb excess water. Keep an eye as it may still move, but it’s still better. Then once placed properly I put the solutions on it.
2 Likes
Those decal problems you mentioned are me all over!
2 Likes
Another trick I have learned from experimenting is to put down some Vallejo Decal Fix (pn 73.213) on the model and put the decal on top of that. The decal fix will act as a lubricant to help position the decal. A huge bonus is that Vallejo Decal Fix is an acrylic resin based product that helps bind the decal to the surface when it dries, and really helps in reducing silvering.
If you don’t have access to that, in a review in FSM back in the day the author suggested that a tiny drop of spit under the decal helps reduce the initial grab - some might say “gross” but I have tried it on occasion and it helps. Of course now you’re model will test positive for your DNA, which may be a concern if you’re on the lam. JK
Konrad
2 Likes
Ohhh, I like the sound of that. It is similar to Micro set/Sol or work better?
And, I think I will not be evaluating my spit as a decal setting solution, just seems to… personal.
1 Like
After reading the remarks here, I did go the way of using a liberal amount of dish liquid in the water; and stirred it really well. Then, when I was ready to install the decals, I took a paint brush and applied the dish liquid/water mixture to where I wanted the decal. I noticed that this emulsion actually “STAYED” on the plane where I wanted the decal. Usually, just plain water would bead up and float off of the plane. Then, I placed the decal onto the dish liquid/water emulsion and had NO problems. Decal would slide around easily. I did have to watch it since it could move on its own. Then, I slowly used a Kleenex to wick some of the water out. Didn’t really want to try the spit method! After setting, then I used the MicroSol in case the decal needed to conform to irregular surfaces. It all turned out good! Thanks for all of the advice. By the way, I just bought some of that Vallejo Decal Fix. Thanks!
4 Likes
Excellent! Glad to hear it worked.
Your observation about the soapy water actually staying where you put it instead of beading up and running off makes perfect sense. That’s exactly what you want—something under the decal that gives you enough time to move it around before it decides where it’s going to live forever.
I’ll be interested to hear what you think of the Vallejo Decal Fix too. I’ve used quite a few Vallejo products, but that’s one I haven’t tried.
Decal Fix is Totally different from Micro Set or Micro Sol, acts moe like Future.
BTW a puddle of Future if you still have it it another anti-grab op.
Konrad
1 Like
Ohhh, interesting. I’ll pick some up tomorrow.