Difficult to position a decal :-(

Micro Sol.

Hello everyone, I am fairly new to the whole model building hobby, and I came across a model that all it has is decals. To me this is a great start to really practice and try different things. So what I have done was just use water to base, place the decal then more water on top of the decal.  I have seen a video that but some solution on top of the decal that made the decal set better and "sink" into any of the groves and detail the model might have.

I cannot find that video again, so I was hoping if anyone has the actual name of the solution and the brand.

The other thing, I have been doing really good with the smaller decals, but the bigger decals, is what I am struggling with. Bigger decals I mean that are about 4 to 5 inches long and are round, does anyone have any suggestions?

True, but Micro Sol is in effect sort of an adhesive- it actually dissolves the decal film a bit, so when the sol completely evaporates it does make it stick a bit better.

Obviously, contrary to my previous belief, Micro Set is not a decal adhesive.

Setting solution is a wetting agent. It reduces surface tension and thus helps it set.  Even when applied over the top of a decal, the agent mixes with the rest of the water still around the decal.  It wicks under the decal (reducing surface tension aids wicking.

You guys wouldn't like Gunze Mr Mark Setter then. It contains an adhesive which actually helps glue the decals down. Put your decals on top of this stuff and it's really difficult to move them. You can add a little water with a paintbrush and refloat them though.

The adhesive property helps greatly when dealing with poor decals which don't have enough "glue" on the backing.  

Capillary action must be one of modelers' best friends. It perfectly makes sense.

If you put it on right after positioning it, and around the edges, there seems to be a enough capillary action to make it work. I always make sure I have a really good coat of future before I decal as well.

@Panzer & Chuck. So, do you put Micro Set on top of the decal after positioning it?  Then, how can Micro Set actually help the decal set?  

I do what cadet chuck mentions. Water to put it on and position. Then micro set (or micro sol after it's dried just a bit).

Maybe it's just me, but I've had it happen before where I put the micro set on, then the decal, and it starts to set and shrivel up before I get it in place. I'm leery of that method.

Paint brush to position and "paint" it into place. cotton swab to then soak up drops around the edges, etc.

I avoid using Micro Set until the decal is in place, using just water, with a tiny bit of detergent in it to break the surface tension.  You can easily slide it around to position it this way.  When it is where you want it, gently touch the edges with a corner of tissue to wick up excess water.  Leave it set until the water is mostly evaporated, then gently apply decal set, and after that is dry, apply decal solvent if needed.

I use tweezers with needle-points as well.  I've also been known to use a toothpick.

99% of time I use stock Tamiya decals.

What brand of decals? Any brand? I find Techmod the worst brand for this. They won't hardly move at all, no matter what.

I use a pair of tweezers for decal work that has very sharp points. I must be careful when positioning decals with the tip of these, to keep from tearing the decal, but it does work well.  If it gets too sticky I apply more setting solution.

I see. I guess using a swab was a problem.

I prefer to use a paintbrush to position decals rather than a swab. You can apply a little water (or a little more MicroSet) so that the decal just starts to float and nudge it with the tip of your paintbrush.

When you get it to the desired position, touch the corner of a tissue or paper towel to the edge of the decal to wick off the excess water and it will snuggle down in place.