A couple of years ago, I built a model kit by the Czech firm, Pavla. I really enjoyed it , and considering the oddball subjects they have on their website, I’d love to take another crack at one of their kits if I found one.
The problem is the decals, they are very well printed and do stick well enough, but they are rigid and don’t snug into surface detail with any decal setting solution I’ve tried.
Owing to the unusual selection of subjects they have, aftermarket decals aren’t a likely option all the time.
I ended up cutting some decals to get them fully into surface details, but for future reference, have any of you found a good decal setting solution for this company’s decals, or a good technique of some sort to avoid having to cut them up a bit?
Use Future or some other sealant to create a gloss finish, Use Micro-Set to position the decal, wait five minutes then lightly brush on Micro-Sol then wick off excess with tissue. After it has dried if needed you can apply another treatment of Micro-Sol. Seal again with Future or other sealant. Apply weathering effects. After all has dried reseal with flat coat like Polly Scale clear flat.
The problem is that the decals are quite rigid and I suspect very brittle if you try to prod them too much. There are absolutely no adhesion problems on smooth surfaces, its snugging into the panel lines that’s the issue.
I tried everything short of Solvaset to get them down, it was finally the cutting of them on the panel lines that got them down.
I’m just hoping to avoid another cutting experience with the decals on my next Pavla project.
Thanks for the answer though, its sound advice for applying most decals.
I’m having a similar problem with the decals that came with my Monogram Bugatti EB110, they’re thick as thick can be. I’ve been workng on them with microsol, to no avail for days. Just yesterday, I picked up a bottle of solvaset, and I’ve applied it several times in the last day and a half. It seems to be doing a little better, but jeez. These thing are whipping my hiney. It’s almost like they’re printed on Saran Wrap or something. I’m as at a loss to help ya upnorth. Give the Solvaset a shot, it seems to be stronger than Microsol.