Microset affecting homemade decal

JMorgan

Anyone have this problem of microset smearing the ink on a self-made decal? Any solutions?

You need to seal the decal with some form of varnish, either what was in the decal pack, or a good compatible varnish, sprayed on & allow a good time for it to harden.

I used Testors decal bonded spray and allowed it three days to dry and it still happened.

Not really sure what to suggest. I use Testors Decal Bonder as well, though my usual setting solution is Solvaset---which is generally agreed to be one of the 'hottest' around---and I rarely have any problem. The only 'trick' I know is to use as little as possible, and wick away any excess; don't leave a big puddle to eat away at the finish.

The bad news is, my experiences have shown me that some ink formulas are just prone to bleed and run in decal situations. I've used HP printers for decal-making for 10+ years, with mostly great results; but one printer I tried---same brand, but must have been a different ink mix for its required cartridge---I could never get satisfactory results from, no matter what settings or combination of paper and sealer I tried. I switched to another (similarly-inexpensive) model, and everything worked great again.

I must have used too much. Live and learn.

Printer inks vary in their solubility, even within the same brand of printer, but the good news is, they are getting better.  And, it does not need to be an expensive model to have very resistant inks.  Printer prices are getting so low that it may even make sense to buy a cheap printer just for decals, if that one has good ink.

I always worry about the problem when I make inkjet decals.  I always try setting solutions first, only going to solvents if I absolutely have to.  I have never had a problem with setting solutions.