I’ve checked on YouTube etc for techniques and I’m hoping some of the folks here might have some advice on decals. I brush some Micro Set and then get the decal in place okay, but as soon as I bring in a Q-tip close to get the excess water or to roll down any wrinkles the decal moves. Any suggestions? Thanks!
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Hey Troy!
Great question! Before you apply your decals, do you apply a gloss(clear) coat?
If yes ok but if not, it helps make the surface more smoother which makes the decals adhere better.
When I go to apply my decals, I will brush on Mico Set on the area then wait for about a minute or so.
Once I lay down the decal in position, I’ll take a paper towel and moisten it a bit with water then gently push down on the decal. This will generally remove any air bubbles and helps secure it to the surface.
I’ll then reapply Micro Set after a few minutes but if all is good, I will then apply Micro Sol which helps the decal to conform to the surface, giving that painted on look.
Make sure to read the instructions of each decal solution.
Micro Sol will help remove any wrinkels n such but just go easy as some decals are very sensitive.
I never had any luck with using a Q-tip so I’ve always used a paper towel.
Hopefully this helps and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask away!
Happy Modeling,
Mike
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I have had problems with decal “float” before. I don’t use decal solutions very often so I will coat the area with water on a paintbrush before setting the decal on the model. I use a toothpick and a cotton bud to settle the decal in position. Using the toothpick to keep the decal in place, I gently roll the cotton bud across the decal to soak up the excess water and to help it snuggle down. If there are any issues after it has dried, I will then come back in with some Microsol or Solvaset. That usually helps to get everything snuggled down if it wasn’t already.
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Thanks Mike! I’ve been doing cars, so I apply a gloss coat to the body before putting on decals, but no gloss coat on the interior or engine (and it’s those small decals that usually float away on me). I’ll try a paper towel instead of Q-tip. - Troy
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Thanks Mageckman! That’s a great idea to hold the decal down with toothpick while putting Q-tip on it. I’ll give it a try.
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You are most welcome Troy! Ah ok gotcha.. I have a feeling that by not applying a gloss coat to those particular parts, the decals wil not lay down properly.
Give itna try and see!
Happy Modeling,
Mike
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This is how I do it aw well, set with the aid of a toothpick or hobby knife, roll it with a pointed cotton swab. Decals can be very difficult at times.
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Sounds like too much water under the decal. I use a piece of paper towel or tissue to wick away excess water, and if I have to adjust the decal’s location, then I’ll use an old paintbrush to apply a little water back and float as necessary. I like the precision in application that the paintbrush provides.
I also use the paintbrush to help move the decal around, as necessary. I don’t use Q-Tips because they can leave fibers behind.
Once I have the decal where I want it, then I’ll apply setting solution, if I’m going to use it. Same thing-I use an old paint brush to apply it.
Hope that helps!
Best regards,
Brad
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I have had some issues with really large decals in the past but…I firmly advocate a good glosscoat before applying decals and using a decal setting solution you are familiar with.
I have used solvaset with some horrendously thick decals and it worked well.
I usually put dots of Micro-set where the decal will set and float the decal in place with a tooth pick and roll a q-tip over the decal slowly from one edge to the other. You can re-float it if you have it in the wrong place by soaking it with micro-set and lifting the edge with a soaked paint brush. Always push (gently) with a toothpick and not with tweezers.
I only add the Micro-sol after the decal has all the extra Micro-set squeezed out and only ON the decal rather than covering the decal and surrounding area with it.
Too much Micro-sol will refloat the decal and it will move on it’s own.
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I use to use the teensiest bit of water at the decal site, more of a hint, not a drop. Then apply the decal solution to the decal after its in place, so it works under… and then just the smallest amount needed.
I wouldn’t slather on the water or setting solution on; its juducious.
Then the decals a dabbing with a fine foam rubber pad, straight on, to press them into place. If more setting solution is needed, repeat.
It sounds like youre diluting the decal’s own adhesive too much…
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