problems with microset/sol

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

I am just finishing a 1:72 Lancaster. I have been frustrated with a number of aspects with making it, but now it is done. I painted it with MM and Tamiya acrylics, and Future. I started to apply the rondelle on the wing, first using microset, then microsol on it, and a white film/precipitate formed around the edge of the decal and onto the painted surface. It looks like hell, and I can’t seem to get it off. Has anyone had this happen? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Rob

2

Microsol attacks Future, however, often a second coat of Future makes the white disappear.

3

Thanks!

Do you think it would be a good idea to recover the plane with, perhaps an enamel clear coat? I hate what happened to the finish, but I love how the microsol made the decal look like it was painted on.

Rob

4

I use Micro-Sol over a Future coat all the time without the Micro-Set and haven’t had a problem although I have heard of others getting fogging. I use it pretty liberally too. I would go with the suggestion of hitting it with another coat of Future and seeing if that fixes it. I know this isn’t much help.

Regards,

Jeff

5

Isn’t that interesting? I find that the -set doesn’t cause problems, and the -sol does. It’s a funny old world, ain’t it? [%-)]

6

I switched to PollyScale decal softner awhile ago and have not looked back.

It’s strong stuff though. But amazing results:

7

Makec sure that the Future is fully cured.I use Microset/sol all of the time in my Future’d modesl with no problems.

8

I found Polly Scale in a RR hobby shop and fell in love with the stuff. Best ever decal sol/set product I have ever used. I still have all the others sittting around collecting dust along with vinager just “in case”. But I ordered 2 boxes of Pollyscale so I wouldn’t run out. I have used it on all surfaces with excellent results. Also, the fogging will be fixed with a overcoat of Future.

9

I agree with the last post. I have also experienced the white fogging after using Microsol but after I apply future coat post-decals you don’t see a thing.

You should be fine.

10

Is Microset vinegar/distilled water?

11

Most decal setting solutions are vinegar-based… I use straight vinegar m’self… Learned it from an old model railroader friend of mine…

12

Microset is white vinegar and distilled water. Vinegar is acetic acid and MicroSol is isopropal alcohol and water. If your sol is too strong, add a little distilled water. Hasegawa decals often do not react real well to the Sol. The Microset should be no problem and I always put it under the decals.

13

I have had problems with microsol and microset. It ruined a couple of decals I had and made a lot more work for me. The decals I were laying were writing with fine lines in them and it made them go all wrinkly so the lines looked as if there on the turps and the bolder lines slightly lost their straight edge. It has also eaten into some paints I have used. I used the product exactly how it said and even visited the web site to make sure. Im sure it works great on some models but I don’t think I will ever ever use it again as the risk of this happening again is just not worth it.

14

Hmmmm polly scale sounds interesting. Where can it be purchased from? Thanks.

15

Try Testor’s decal set if you don’t want to try vinegar…

16

I gotta agree with Hans and say just use vinegar, it will save you a few bucks(plus it’s just as good.)[;)]