Frustrated with Solvaset

QUOTE: Originally posted by mahoneymem I plan on using Micro-sol or diluted solvaset from here on out but for the mean time does anyone have a technique to repair this wrinkled decal besides light sanding and painting?

I use Mircoset to remove decals. I have not tried it on a decal with Solvaset. Also it will not work if there is an overcoat on the decal. If Microset doesn't work perhaps the only thing is sanding and some painting.

I had a hard time finding Micro-sol &set locally and switched to Testor;s Model Master Decal Set no. 1737. Had no problem with it and it reacts well with most decals.
John
helicopters don't fly, they beat the air into submission

I've always had some problems with solvaset. The clouding has happened often but, as stated above, with a little touch up it is fixable. The problem I haven't figured out a clean fix for is when the decal sets up wrinkled. This happens often as well and I've tried to prevent this by useing lighter applications and drying conditions but I still get the same result. I plan on using Micro-sol or diluted solvaset from here on out but for the mean time does anyone have a technique to repair this wrinkled decal besides light sanding and painting?

thanks folks,

mahoney

QUOTE: Originally posted by rjkplasticmod Any alcohol based solvent can react with Future,

I went and bought a bottle of Polly Scale Clear Gloss Finish. On the back of the label says it contains" Isobutanol and DPND. " I am not sure what DPND is but is Isobutanol an alcohol

Any alcohol based solvent can react with Future, especially if it hasn't cured for at least 48 hours. Personally, I find Solvaset too aggressive for most modern decals, but I keep a bottle handy for the occasional need. I use the MicroSol/Set solutions almost exclusively.

Regards, Rick

Thank you all for the suggestions. I went strait for the model and my bottle of future. The blotches were minimized to a point where it does not look ruined and with a little touch up of paint it looks great. Again thanks. Next time I will be very careful.

Does Solvaset react to any thing else?

if the solvaset is too aggresive, try thinning it with water. dont thin the whole bottle, just thin a small dishful. i do that often cos i find micro sol too aggresive on tamiya decals.

I'd like to second what Greg said. Solvaset is powerful and, at the same time, wonderful stuff! Wouldn't finish a model without it. But I, too, found out the hard way what it can do to certain decals. After that I test a decal in an inconspicuous area first to check the reaction.

MicroSol might be an alternative to consider for Solvaset. That stuff worked great for me as well. I only picked up a bottle of Solvaset after I ran out of MicroSol and couldn't find anymore locally.

Best wishes,

Eric

Ernie:
First, don't worry---it's easily fixable.
Solvaset has a high alcohol content (or something similar---I'm not a chemist). When it's applied over Future, it can cloud or turn the Future white. All you have to do is let everything dry, then dab on a little fresh Future and gently "brush out" the clouded areas. (Sometimes a brush moistened in water will do the same trick.)
The trick is to apply the Solvaset and carefully blot away the excess, which should minimize the problem.
I've been using Solvaset for years, and couldn't do without it. But it's strong stuff. You might also get in the habit of testing a spare or inconspicuous decal from any new sheet first; I've read accounts of Solvaset dissolving decals, and while I've never experienced it myself, it could understandably ruin your day.
Keep at it. Best of luck.
Greg