I finally decided to try solvaset. Now what is the best way to use it and the do’s and don’t’s?
As always thanks!
Howdy, MGM!
I’d say follow the instructions that came with it, and have at it!
To be honest, I’ve never used that brand. With the Gunze stuff I use, you just splop a puddle down where the decal is going to go, slide the decal into position, give 'er a quick pat with a a soft rag, and dab a little more solution on top, then let dry. Once you get the solution on, you can’t touch it, since it is essentially melting the decal onto the model. Sometimes the decal appears to be wrinkling a bit, but it should all smooth out when dry. If not, you can pat it down and apply more solution till it’s right.
Different decals react differently to different solutions, so it’s best to try one unneeded decal from the sheet first in an inconspicuous place on the model to see how it will react. Some have no effect on the decals, while others melt 'em down.
I’ve used Solvaset for over twenty years on more decals than I could possibly count.
Decaling on Enamels, its bombproof. I wet the area to be decalled with warm water, slide the decal on, then on a gloss surface apply just enough solvent to dampen the decal, plus a bit round the edge which will creep under. 90% of the time it will suck the decal down over just about anything - I have decaled model railroad locos with stripes over cast-on grab handle detail, and that’s a BIG bump! If there is a bit of ‘silvering’, just prick the silvered area with a needle and slop on a bit more solvent.
On a matt surface really flood the solvent on, maybe some more tomorrow morning, maybe some more after that - the decal will settle right down eventually. Yep, I know, you shouldn’t decal over matt, but you can get away with it sometimes. Just make sure the paint is absolutely odor-free dry first or the solvent may leave a ‘tidemark’.
The only hassle I’ve ever had with Solvaset was with Hasegawa decals over Gunze acrylic paint, where the decal crazed, broke up and was rendered completely useless. Could have been the decals or the paint, I hardly ever use acrylics, and it was my first last and only plane [;)]. I use gunze Mr Mark Soft on Acrylics just to be safe.
Cheers, Andy