I don’t know, I’ve read the bottles, watched MANY You Tube vids, read some threads here about the subject, and still I’m turned off with this stuff.
So let me ask, when applying the “Set”, mine seems to bead up and off. The model has a clear gloss coat. Am I supposed to get it so a bead of the stuff statically sits on the surface of the model and try to slide the decal onto it? I don’t think, right? But if I don’t have it bead up, I don’t get any solvent to stay on the model. Forget about using a tissue to absorb the excess, the decal shifts. Now comes the “Sol”, place a drop onto the small “No Step” decals? It covers them and they lift or actually deteriorate. What am I doing wrong. It can’t be this hard, I refuse to believe that. Thank you for helping a frustrated guy, lol.
Micro SET (blue bottle) is supposed to go down on the model first. It’s supposed to help settle the decal. Once you lay the decal down, then you use Micro SOL(red bottle). You keep adding SOL as the decal dries. The more applications you put on, the more it paints itself to the model.
I was told never to put SOL directly on your model as it is a solvent and can mess up your paint job, which has happened to me.
I don’t understand Micro SET (Blue bottle) either. I will brush some on prior to the decal going down. I have never noticed a difference between using it or not. But I live by the SOL. Just don’t knock the bottle over. Stupid tall slender bottles… (Yes, I bought bases for them)
I’ve heard that Micro Set/Sol are not so great for Tamiya decals, so I bought some Mr. Mark Setter and Mr. Mark Softer (because they were nearby) to try out. Generally, didn’t have a bad experience with those with my Tamiya Ki-61 cockpit. I’m not a definitive source, but there’s a single data point. Useless out in the wild, but maybe someone else can use it?
The one thing I’ve never quite understood is the need for a “set” solution - as a kid, that’s what the water was for! If it turns out “set” isn’t short for “settling” (as in helping move the decal into position) but instead is some kind of glue to help the decal stay attached, I guess I could see that, but I never had problems with decals coming off. As for the “sol”, I really like the idea of a solution that helps the decal “melt” into panel lines and the sort, so that makes sense.
Well I applied about 40 small “NO STEP” decals on the top of the model. I have to agree, I’m really not sure why I’m using the “Set”, but I will continue too. The “Sol” I can see why.
One last question, will the edges of the decals really smooth out after I spray a top gloss coat? As of right now I can still tell that the decals do not have a painted on look that I always read about. I will also be dabbling in a little weathering AFTER the gloss coat then finishing with a matt coat.
I build mostly cold War jets (especially Phantoms) so tiny “No Step” and “Push Here” are part and parcel of the model.
If you’re getting water beads on the surface you probably don’t need MicroSet. Here’s my process for these tiny decals:
Cut each one individually.
Soak in warm water until they slide areond on the backing paper
Lay the soaked decal on a paper towel to absorb excess water
Use a very fine brush to cover the decal and backing paper with MicroSet
Apply to the surface, moving it into place with an X-Acto knife – preferably a used one. Super sharp tips seem to penetrate the decal material and create problems
After in place, use a makeup sponge to apply pressure to squeeze water from under the decal. Cotton swabs have fibers which can remove the decal.
You probably don’t need MicroSol. Since the underlying surface is smooth
Before further clear coats use clean water and a Q-tip o remove any chemical residue.
I’ve used the Micro Set/Sol product for many years and never had any issues with them. I apply a clear coat, then Micro Set. Soak up excess water with either a Q-Tip or the edge of a napkin. Then I apply Micro Sol and then step away. I may apply a second or third coat if the decal isn’t “snuggling” down. I also agree with the comments above.
THANK YOU ALL. I think with all the above tips and bits of experience shared I’ll get the jist of it all. I’m having fun with this model. I stated in the past posts this is my first model in 40 years. I look forward to sharing pics with you all. Thank you.
I bought a laser-cut base for Tamiya square cement bottles and while I used it, I kept getting annoyed that I had to pick it up by the base to move it and now I just put some of my spare Blu-Tak on the bottom of the cement bottle so I can’t knock it over when it’s on my workbench.
