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how do i use micro sol?

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  • Member since
    November 2005
how do i use micro sol?
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 6:25 AM
how do i use micro sol? i've asked loads of people but no one seems to know for sure. Do i slide off the decals in water then add the micro sol when they are applied or do i put down a "bed " of microsol for the decal to lie on. Also do i just leave it to dry or blot it? help, i want to finish my me163, cos it's one of my best models to date and i don't want to ruin itBig Smile [:D]
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 10:01 AM
It's a two-step process, usually, or almost always for me and most other modelers. You need to get some MicroSet to go with your MicroSol if you don't have any. First, dip your decal in water until it's "loose." Then transfer it to a paper towel (I'm telling you this the way I do it, which is not the only way, it's just my way). While the excess water is draining off, take an old paint brush and lay down some MicroSet, or other brand of setting solution. (I use those crappy white plastic paint brushes Testors includes with everything they sell. They're no good for painting, but good for dusting and applying decal set and solvent). The setting solution allows you to move your decal around until it is in the right position on the model, and gives it a good "base." After you are happy with that, apply the MicroSol (or other brand, and they range from pretty weak to the strength of decal-eating acid, so experiment. I use MicroSet and Sol except on really tough decals, but that lesson's for another day.). The solvent half of the two decal preparation liquids actually softens the decal and causes it to settle down into panel lines, and to go around or inside compound curves without wrinkling. Now, speaking of wrinkling, sometimes in the chemical process that goes on with decal solvents, the decal will wrinkle up on you. DO NOT PANIC, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Just go away. In the morning, you will see a lovely, flat decal on your model. I'm sure other people will have tips they might want to add. But the best thing you can do is, read the instructions on the bottle first. Good luck and welcome to the site, Jeff.
Tom
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Placerville, CA USA
Posted by Mark Joyce on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 5:50 PM
Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

I do exactly what Tom does (even using those crappy white plastic paint brushes from Testors!), and have never had a problem with decals. The step-by-step process for using MIcroset and Microsol are on the back of the Superscale decal packages (at least the old style), and I always have kept one of these leftover packages for reference.

Nice to know those white Testor paint brushes are good for something.

Mark
Ignorance is bliss
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 8:26 PM
That's pretty much my method as well, however if you don't have MicroSet don't panic. MicroSol is the important one IMO. Put your decals on, brush some MicroSol on them, and let them sit for a couple of hours. The decals are very soft at this point, so DO NOT touch them! If they aren't thin enough or didn't settle into the nooks and crannies well enough, put some more MicroSol on after they have dried. Some times on very rough areas several coats are necessary.
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 5:35 AM
thanks a lot i'm going to try it on my corsair now.And is it just me or are academy decals not very good?
  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, November 17, 2004 7:19 AM
acadrmy are not bad, from my experience, better than revell anyways. academy ones usually work really well with microsol.
  • Member since
    September 2004
Posted by jowdawg on Friday, November 19, 2004 1:59 PM
I am using Microsol and Mircoset for my decals. Will it cause problems on an acryl painted dark gull gray surface?
  • Member since
    January 2004
  • From: USA
Posted by MusicCity on Friday, November 19, 2004 3:24 PM
QUOTE: I am using Microsol and Mircoset for my decals. Will it cause problems on an acryl painted dark gull gray surface?

Nope. I use acrylics all the time, and MicroSet and MicroSol won't hurt them. If your finish is flat, I would S-T-R-O-N-G-L-Y recommend a coat of Future over it before adding the decals. Decals and flat finishes do not mix well. Air will get trapped in the texture of the flat paint under the decal and cause "Silvering" that looks terrible. Decals need to be applied on a smooth surface. If you want a flat finish, spray a coat of acrylic clear flat over everything once the decals are in place (besides, a flat finish with glossy decals looks weird anyway).
Scott Craig -- Nashville, TN -- My Website -- My Models Page
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