I used micro-sol to help set decals on a model recently. My first time to use this product. It didn’t work as advertised for me. The decals did not conform well to the shape of the model. Is there a trick to using this product?
Hello Papa,
Micro-sol solutions are advertised as a two part process. There is micro-sol and micro-set. these are designed to be used together in a two step process. It has worked well for me. I think the trick is to get the decal really softened up. If it dose not set the way you want you can use multiple applications. I have done this on models with a lot of detail. It took me a few try’s to get the process down. Don’t give up, once you get the method figured out for you, it gets fairly easy.
First of all Microsol is intended for Microscale decals & should work well with them. Some decals are thicker than Microscale & reguire a stronger setting solution such as Solvoset. If youy are using Microscale you may have to use multiple applications. Let it dry put a pin into any bubbles or any place where it doesn’t conform to the model. You also may have an old bottle that’s lost it’s potency. I think the main ingredient in the setting solutions is alcohol so it could be weaker due to evaporation.
There are many posts you can find on the proper way to decal, so i wont go into that. good luck, keep us informed.
Exactly what was it about your experience that was unsatisfactory?
The first step is to have a smooth, clean surface. I like to use a gloss or satin paint or overcoating to get that. Then, I use Micro-SET (blue lettering on the bottle) where the decal goes to get it to sit properly. After the decal dries, I apply Micro-SOL (red lettering on the bottle) to soften the decal and get it to settle. Sometimes it does take 2 or 3 applications.
If this is a very convoluted surface, like a grill, you should try to get the decal settled in on the initial application. Microl-Sol will only let it stretch a little. If necessary, I don’t see any reason not to use Micro-Sol as you apply the decal the first time, but I’ve never needed to do that.
Once the decal is set well and dry, it’s a good idea to spray it with a sealant, like a clear overspray or Dull-Coat, to protect it and keep it in place.
Thanks for the reply’s. I did not use Micro-set at the start, perhaps that is the problem.