Micro Set Setting Solution?

Micro Set is used on the surface of the model prior to applying the decal to help the adhesion. Micro Sol is used after the decal is on to soften and help it conform to uneven surfaces.

Very important stuff if you want that "painted on" look.

I don't apply decals without them.

Hey John. There's Microset and Microsol. Microset aids in moving the decal around on the model when attempting to set it. But before I get too ahead of myself, you should know that WHENEVER you're putting decals on a model you have to high gloss the model first. There are a lot of microscopic particles on a model that'll make the decals silver when placing them. In other words, they'll look really fake, bumpy and terrible. So first gloss it. Then wherever you're placing a decal, wet the decal like normal, pull it from it's backing and right before you place it, apply the microset. Again, this will help with manipulating it. Once it's on and set, apply the microsol. Now what this stuff does, is, it softens the paper, allowing the decal to set into the lowest setting of the model, and keeping it from kind of "tenting" over parts that are sticking out. While its doing this, it's going to look real nasty like you did it wrong but DON'T touch it! Just leave it sitting over night and when you come back to it, the decal will look like a part of the paint job as opposed to a lousy sticker!

Setting solutions are wetting agents that allow the water to "stick" to both the model surface and the decal to prevent bubbles and such. I always use it when applying decals.  As I said in the other thread, I reserve decal solvents for problem decals where the setting solution alone does not work well enough alone.

Is it better to use setting solution or water thinned with a little detergent to adhere and move he decal?

You still need to dip the decal in water. Then brush on the Micro Set where the decal will go, then apply the decal, then dab away the excess water, then brush on the Micro Sol.

Decal setting solution does the same thing as detergent, but a bit better. If you are out of setting solution, or real cheap, a tiny drop of detergent in water is an alternative, but I still believe the setting solution is better.

Vinegar is another alternative.  But, you must ensure that the vinegar does not have any particulates that will end up as residue.  Many vinegars add spices and such, which we don't want on the model.  Some good white vinegars work well, but I still prefer the hobby shop stuff.

Any old photographers getting rid of their darkroom stash should save wetting agent packages.  Mix it a bit more dilute than you did for printing- it is the same stuff as the setting solutions.

Make sure to let the Micro Set dry COMPLETELY before applying Micro Sol. You may see bubbles in the decals. *** the bubbles & apply a little more Micro Sol usually does the trick. Let the Micro Sol dry COMPLETELY before applying a clearcoat.

Hello!

Why is it so important to let MicroSet dry completely before applying MicroSol? Recently I put down many decals putting MicroSol on top of wet MicroSet without any problems. I also found mixing MicroSol on some decals with Gunze Mr Mark Softer helps melt more resistant decals. Next stage is Solvaset - the strongest there is, and still not enough for some decals - looks like they got tougher lately or maybe it has something to do with the fact that all my decals are stored for years before being applied.

Good luck with your projects and have a nice day

Paweł

Because it has always worked for me this way that's why. LOL!