I keep on hearing about this brand of decal solution and I’m not so sure how to use it. What is micro set and micro sol for? Does the two have different funtions? Thanks for any input.
Micro set: prepares the surface for the decal. i think it has some acid in it. when you slide the decal onto it its very slippery and you can move the decal with ease. that’s what i read.
Micro sol: this one i’ve use already. it’ll make the decal conform to the surface. slightly melt the decal to convince it to ‘lie down’. i’ve used the stuff. really good.
hope this helps. you can check micro scales website for more info.
Micro Sol is a decal siolution that softens or ‘melts’ a decal so that it snuggles down over raised detail on a model; making it look painted on. I only use if when I have to apply a decal over alot of raised detail, or complex curves. Once it is applied to the decal, EXTREME CARE must be used when moving it, or you’ll tear it.
Micro Set is a setting solution designed to act as a combination decal glue and decal glue ‘kicker’. It holds the decal down, helping to eliminate any chance of peeling. Still, if you seal your models afterwards with an overcoat, that usually doesn’t happen. I use Micro Set for difficult decals that don’t lay down, older decals where the glue may no longer work (after applying decal film to them) and decals that were laid over raised detail or complex curves. It should only be applied to the decal once the decal is in place! MIcro Set is also good for those decals that have to be placed over other decals. Many kits of French warplanes I have built have required me to apply a decal of a small blue circle on top of the center of the decal of the roundel. Why they split them like that, I’ll never know! Still, having used Micro Set on the roundel decal and letting it dry for a couple hours usually keeps it in place when I apply the blue center.
I hope this helps a bit. I’m sure more knowledgeable and experienced modelers will give more comprehensive explanations than mine.
I use a ‘setting’ liquid almost all the time. I’ve used ‘solvent’ only a couple of times and the caution here is that it will MELT your decal. Once you put the solvent on, don’t move it or touch it…chances are it will tear. Just let it melt into place and dry.
As an alternative, I’ve found that a hair-dryer works really well. I’ve recently found that if I apply the decal, then apply heat with a hair dryer, it really softens the decal up and it can be formed around almost anything. Just use a q-tip or something and lightly press the decal down.
Murray
First time you use sol, you’ll most likely get the fright of your life! I agree with all said above and just want to add that if you use sol, your decal must allready be on the correct place. It will most likely get a complete wrinkly appearance, appearing to be ruined. (Not all decals do this!) I was shocked the first time. But it smooths out beautifully!
I see, did you guys use the sol after using the set on setting decals or just use one?
I use the Micro-Set for decals that I want to conform to a slightly uneven surface, if they need more persuasion then I use the Micro-Sol.
If that doesn’t work then I use the Solvaset, after testing on a decal that is not needed first of course. [;)]
I don’t like putting the Micro-Set on the surface before the decal either as it tends to make the decal stick too hard when I need to reposition it.
I like to float it around to where I need it with water and a red sable paint brush and then blot it and apply the setting solution.
Mike
Thanks for all the input from ya guys. really appreciate it.
A little addendum to what’s already been reported. Micro-SET (blue label) is simply a rather weak acetic acid solution. If you have a bottle of regular vinegar in the kitchen, you can make your own easily by diluting it about 8 parts water to 1 part vinegar (which is acetic acid).
Micro-SOL (red label) is something else altogether. I had the composition at one time but have forgotten it, unfortunately. It will tend to distort the decal once you’ve applied it as others have pointed out. But that’s what’s supposed to happen. After it’s dry, your decal will look as if it’s been painted on conforming to any and all compound curves you can throw it on. It’s a true solvent in its own way.
I can’t agree with the comments about SET being used as a solvent. It’s meant to be a wetting agent that will allow you to move the decal more easily on the model’s surface to get it properly placed. Once it’s where you want it, blot it dry and use the SOL. Then leave it to dry completely before handling or putting other decals over the one originally placed.[
HTH
Alan
quote]Originally posted by sigman
Thanks for all the input from ya guys. really appreciate it.
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[bow]
Alan,
Actually it is used as both a softener and a wetting agent.
The instructions say to put it on top of the decal after it is set in place and that is to soften the decal. It says that if more softening is needed then use the SOL. [;)]
Mike
I just want to make sure I get this right. Put the decal in the right place, blot away the water, then apply the Micro-Sol, blot again, then let dry?
how does micro sol react with future??
Hi Ghettochild,
Future will turn milky where the stuff is. When dry the milk is gone.[:D]
Puddling too much has damaged the Future on some models, not on others.[?]
A far more powerful setting solution is Solvaset, by Walthers, a model railroad company. It works were Micro Set/Sol hasn’t. But it can hurt some decals.[B)]
WARNING!!! Ask the manufactureres and read the magazines and you will learn this: model makers change to different companies and/or formulas for their decals now and then. A recent Monogram FW-190 decal set would not respond to any of my tricks; digging out some 20 year-old Monogram FW-190 decals worked great![8]
A recent Tamiya set was ruined with Micro Set/Sol. A replacement set worked.[xx(]
Now, I ALWAYS test my solutions on a spare decal from every sheet![:p]
amazing that such a simple thing can have such a variety of comments… it’s just GREAT!!! just in answer to buff above…
- soften your decal as usual in tepid water
- give it a good tap or two to get the excess water off
- apply sufficient MicroSet (blue) to area on model where decal must sit
- slide decal off backing onto MicroSet
- float the decal into position
- blot excess liquid with Q-tip
- WALK AWAY!!! leave the decal alone to dry
Should the decal go on an area which is round / irregular / has high detail, then apply MicroSol (red) after (6) above. If you are new to this… walk away and DON’T LOOK BACK!!! Your decal will shrivle up like plastic in a fire… but will settle down nicely like it has been painted on
Radioguy is right. The setting solution is a wetting agent with a weak acetic acid and soap in a water mixture. Only those ingredient. Setting solution does not have any plastic dissolving ingredients to dissolve a decal and flatten it. The decal will retain its tensile strength with a setting solution.
On the other hand the SOL solution does have the same ingredient PLUS the addition of a weak polymer-dissolving ingredient to break down and flatten a decal.
Thanks, quikchek. I’ve got it now,
I may be putting a monkey wrench into the works, but I get my best results by blotting the decal, then wetting it with Micro-Sol (at the same time I put Micro-Sol on the surface location) and then sliding the decal onto the location. Once the decal is in position, I use a q-tip to blot up excess Micro-Sol around the decal.
Not for me! Just more options to try out. Thanks for your input.