Decals.... Kit or AM?

I use more AM than I do kit decals. In most cases however, it's not because the kit decals are bad, it's because the kit decals didn't have the applicable markings for the aircraft I want to build. However, if the kit happens to be a Hasagawa kit, the first thing I do is to deposit the decals in File 13.

on the Microsol/set, it definitely makes the decal adhere better to the model.

As for AM or kit decals, it all depends on what livery I want the airplane to be in. If the kit has the decals, then I'll use them, but if I want a specific squadron, I'll use AM. Basically, I have a lot of AM.

Wing Nut - some of the older Tamiya kits still in production have very thick decals (the A6M5 I am working on for one, almost like vinyl lettering material!) I've heard a few gripes about Monogram and Hasegawa for the same... most of the kits I have built recently had decent decals, although typically since I am modeling a particular aircraft or unit I tend to buy aftermarket. But often I will pilfer some off the kit sheet as well as using the AM decals.

Something that works wonders to get even those thivk Tamiya decals snug down is Microsol and Microset. it softens the decal and basically sucks it down into the detail and helps it lie absolutely flat... You take the microset, brush it over the body wher the decal will go, put down the decal and lightly brush some microset on top, when almost dry to dry take a damp (not wet) paper towel and gently push it down into the detail, you can repeat the microset application several times or go for the microsol which is stronger and put it on the decal. Once you put that stuff down though do not touch the decal or it's toast!!! it softens it so much it will basically disentegrate at your touch! It gets them down like they've been painted on with no silvering in most cases... real good stuff! If you decide to get some, if you use the microsol when you put it on the decal will wrinkle up like a raisin.,. never fear! when it dries it will be flat, you can apply a little more if a few wrinkles are still there and it will sit down nice.. I then future over them and weather/wash etc... then future again and dullcoat. Some people just future over the decal and weather then dull coat but I like the extra protection. once you future over a decal it's gonna take dynamite to damage it! (ok maybe not THAT tough! )

A lot fo the brands I build including the higher end Tamiya, Hasegawa and the Accurate Miniatures sheets are alright though... not had real problems with them...