what is the best way to get decals to set smoothly inside panel lines?
Microsol, Microset, or Solvaset over a clear gloss coat. Use as directed onthe containers.
Second that, along with being sure you apply the gloss coat (Future, paint, something) and then let get get thoroughly dry. Then they should snuggle down just fine.
After you apply your Micro Sol, let it sit until the decal is good and deformed (about 10 minutes or so) and then take a hair drier to it. Use it on low heat, and you can watch the decal dry and the wrinkles will disappear and it will conform beautifully to your panel lines. You can also rub it GENTLY with a Q-Tip to help get any bubbles out, but after its dry. I use this and it works great everytime.
Just be REAL!!! careful after you apply the Micro-Sol though. The decal is VERY brittle and it doesn’t take anything to turn it into a shapeless blob
so i paint then gloss coat then decal then flat coat. seems like a ton of painting. wont this clog the panel lines?
Gloss coat than decals than another gloss coat to seal the decals than if you are doing any weathering, you do that before the final flat coat. The lines are ok with that many coats unless you are smothering the kit instead of light mistings
One other alternative is to use Future as a decal set solution. Just dulute with water at a 50/50 ratio, water will retard it drying to fast and let you position decal. Once in position brush out any excess Future and bubbles under decal. Now place model under a 60 watt light over where decal was applied to speed up drying time BUT do not place to close to light. As the future dries it will pull the decal down with it into the panel lines. When decal is dry to the touch brush on more Future to seal it and let air dry throughly. If there is any lifting of decals at the edges just brush on more Future where decal edge has lifted. Practice this is scrap decals before you try it on actual model. Not only does this set the decal but also seals it at the same time and will prevent any silvering fron occuring.
when i coat the model with future before decaling, do i use full strenght Future or dilute it?
You can go with full strength or thin it with alcohol at 2:1 ratio= 2 parts Future, 1 part alcohol. It’s best that you use 91% Isopropyl Alcohol to thin it. Your local Walmart should carry it. Its best that you airbrush it on.
Similar question here. Same as the thread but what if it’s metal foil?
Same principal applies here. Seal the BMF with Future and let dry for 48 hours before you apply decals. Apply decals and you can go with using Micro Sol. Micro Sol will pull down the decal into panel line as it dries. After Micro Sol has dried use a damp tissue to press out wrinkles and press decal down over where panel lines are present to further depress decals into panel lines. DO NOT rub decal you could accidently tear the decal. Apply more Micro Sol to decal if wrinkles do not come out and repeat steps.
I use Mr. Mark Softer, All I do is first set the decal to place then clear excess water with the use of a facial tissue or toilet paper to avoid silvering. Then brush to the decal an ample amount of Mr. Mark Softer. Don’t get worried cause you will see that the decal above the panel line will have a crumpled effect. That shows that the solvent is acting. Just leave it overnight without touching your decal. You will see the next morning that you decal is fully stretch as if it is painted to go over recessed panel.