Guide to using Micro Sol and Set for a newbie

Welcome to the forums, Dave!

I don't build motorcycles or cars, but would think the use of Microset and Microsol to be universal when applying decals.

Basically, microset is used first and is brushed on the area where the decal is to be applied. It allows you a little play in positioning the decal correctly. Once the decal is in place, and after waiting about 5-10 minutes, you can brush the microsol over the decal. Microsol allows the decal to conform to the lines, etc. of the model. You will notice the decal wrinkling. Don't panic, and don't touch the decal. This is normal, and the wrinkling will go away. After about a day, you can prick any holes with a pin and reapply the microsol to help the decal conform additionally.

Mark

Dave - they're both pretty easy to use if you're careful...

First make sure the area under where the decal will sit is nice and glossy, for cars this won't be a problem. If you are doing something with a dull coat just gloss the whole model so it looks even when you dull coat it in the end.

Wet the decal, while it is soaking/loosening from the paper put some Microset down with a brush where the decal will be. Slide the decal off and position it, drop a little more Microset on top of it. When it is settling down after about 5 min or so take a dampo paper towel tip and gently pat it down pressing it into the detail. You can use more coats of Microset at this point if it isn't behaving properly.

If it doesn't sit down like you like it, it's time to bring out the big guns... After the decal is dry, brush some microsol on top. Don't be scared but most probably that decal is going to wrinkle up like a raisin (or worse)

Biggest tip: DON'T touch the decal after using microsol until it is completely dry!!! (I would give it several hours) Voice of experience here, it's a fast way to destroy a decal!!

It should be lying down flat once it dries... if not then hit it again with the Microsol. When it is dry and cured (at least 24 hours) I would Future over the decals. The only reason I say this, is even if you plan on using a enamel or lacquer top coat, the future will help protect the decal from the strong solvents. It also makes it harder to scratch or tear them until you do gloss coat. If you don't like Future or don't use it, go ahead and gloss coat them at this point. Good luck to you!

And again, the biggest tip I can give you is handle the decal as little as possible when using Microset, and if you need to move the decal use Microset to re-wet it again instead of water.

Number two would be don't touch that thing once the MicroSol goes on... I can almost gaurantee bad things will happen!!

Good luck to ya!! I think you will love both of them (Microsol/Set) once you get a few decals down with them, they'll look almost painted on!!

Especially that DON'T touch part. I can add my voice of experience to the chorus.

If i have already completed a model about 3 weeks ago that has a few large decals that arent sat properly on the model, can i use MicroSol and Set on them now ?

Oh, and Tom, whats the "Future" stuff you refer to ? Is it some sort of varnish or lacquer ?

Dave

Hi Dave,

If you want to move or reposition the decals, you're out of luck at least with Microset and Microsol. There might be other ways to salvage them, but none I'm aware of. However, if you have bubbles or raised areas on the decals, then Microsol can still be applied to help settle them.

Future is the name brand of an acrylic floor wax here in the USA, which has many modeling uses. If you check out the Techniques Forum, there is a 'sticky' on Future. It should cover the equivalents of Future in other parts of the world; if not, I believe there is a link to Swanny's website that covers everything you could possibly want to know about Future.

Mark

Thanks for the info Mark. The decals are in the right place but not sat properly on the intricate bits of the wheelarches of the cars. Might try a bit of Micro Sol.

Dave

Future can be found in UK supermarkets as Johnsons Klear. You'll find it with the floor cleaning products in the likes of Morrisons, Sainsburys, etc.

I used it for the first time today and am amazed at how good it is. One word of warning though - let it dry THOROUGHLY before painting over it as the paint will lift otherwise.

Cheers,

Paul

So, do I let the Micro Set dry before applying Micro Sol, or not? Or does it matter? There are two methods discussed in this post.
Thanks,
Rich

QUOTE: Originally posted by bigdave146 Oh, and Tom, whats the "Future" stuff you refer to ? Is it some sort of varnish or lacquer ? Dave

Best link ever:
http://www.swannysmodels.com/TheCompleteFuture.html

Decal set by Testors is a weaker kind of the decal snuggling products (at least mine was), so if you wnat some practice, you can always get those, their instructions are printed on the bottle.

Bonne chance!

I use Mr. Mark Softer, it's the same as microsol. Don't use too much! I slopped it on a smaller decal that hadn't quite dried yet, and it started floating out of place... So of course I immediately tried to move it back. Doh! It pretty much melted into goo. That stuff is strong!

QUOTE: I use Mr. Mark Softer, it's the same as microsol. Don't use too much! I slopped it on a smaller decal that hadn't quite dried yet, and it started floating out of place... So of course I immediately tried to move it back. Doh! It pretty much melted into goo. That stuff is strong!

i use mr.mark softer and micro sol. mr. mark softer is much much more mild than micro sol, if you find your decal floating, immediately place a kleenex to absorb the xtra solution. Fine Molds decals are very delicate, micro sol instantly destroys the decals, even if left to dry.. but Mr.Mark softer does the job. this is how i found out which is stronger!

Here's a quick question... I bought a little bottle of Testors Decal Set, which I understand is a bit weaker than the Micro Set. Could I just use the Testors and then use Mircro Sol, or is it better to use both Micro Set/Sol? Oh, I'm going to use Future before decaling.