Homemade Solvents?

Yes, I've used vinegar.  White vinegar, straight from the bottle.  I was in a panic, and didn't have time to test it.  You might want to do a test if possible.  You can thin it with water.

Micro-sol and Micro set are not the same.  Setting solutions are more wetting agents than anything.  Acetic acid and vinegar are indeed good wetting agents, though many vinegars contain spices and some solids in suspension that will leave some crud.  You need to get the clearest vinegar possible.

Solvents actually dissolve or soften the decal film.  Powerful, and should only work if setting solutions do not.  Biggest need is on compound curves.

Interesting. Watchman, did the vinegar work well, or did you notice any adverse reactions?  

why risk expensive/hard to get decals for the sake of a $?

I've often wondered if that stuff was vinegar.  It sure smells like it!

smell alone doesn't identify a substance

for example, please don't drink something just because you like almonds

there are so very many places we can save money in this hobby,,,,,,but, cutting the price on something that you use by the drop doesn't seem worth the possible cost of a decal on a sheet that only one vendor makes, and you spent time and money to locate (and which might be sold out when you need a replacement)

you surely don't want to dive into the "save a nickle" pool if you don't know the difference between Set and Sol

Rex

It seemed to work well.  I was building an 1/72 Airfix Spitfire with my nephew (at his house).  We didn't paint the model.  When we put the decals on, they started tearing, and didn't want to fit into some recesses, so we broke out the white vinegar and applied it straight onto the decal.  It helped with the recesses, and looked fine the next day.

I have a "Homemade" solvent that I use but I have never tried it on decals.  It might remove paint but have not tried it for that job yet either.  I do know it is good for clearing your sinus, aches and pains and will work as fuel for the tractor when needed.  And yes, it is clear.  

Where might we procure a jug of this "solvent"?  ; )

that stuff is supposed to be a good thinner for paints that could be thinned with Denatured Alcohol.

Does anyone else remember the old Chemistry joke about the guy that said he invented the "Universal Solvent"? When asked what he keeps it in, he realized that it had all gotten out of his lab.

CN, unless you plan to pour it in your tractor, a jug is way more than you will need.  A teaspoon works just fine for "Most Uses".  By the way, it WILL remove Testors enamel and won't harm the plastic.