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Decal solvent didn't work, any suggestions?

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  • Member since
    November 2005
Decal solvent didn't work, any suggestions?
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 9:49 AM
Hi All!
 Hoping for some advice here. I applied decals to my model yesterday, and the decal solvent only half worked. I put the decals in place using "Micro Set", then I removed excess liquid with paper towel, and gently patted down the decal. Everything great so far. I didn't really wait too long, then I applied "Walthers Solvaset" on top, and left it for about 9 hours. When I came back to it half of the decal looked beautiful, and the other was still wrinkled and shiny, so I applied a little more solvaset and left it for about 9 more hours, and it hasn't changed at all.
 Any ideas on what I can do about this?  It doesn't look too bad, and was wondering if putting future on top might help, but I know once I do this I can't try anything else. Or, should I go get something stronger like "Micro Sol"? I don't want to destroy my decals either.
 Another thing I might add is the kit is marked 1998 (AMT/ERTL ProShop Star Wars X-Wing). The decals seemed in excellent shape still, and slid off the backing with no problems, so I don't know if the age of the decals has any effect on this.
 Any tips would be apreciated.
Neal
P.S. It is my first time working with decal solvents, but the process seems pretty straight forward.

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: CT - USA
Posted by thevinman on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 6:42 PM

I've never used Walthers Solvaset, but I've used Micro-Set & Micro-Sol for years. Micro-Sol (the stronger of the two) has never let me down. It will make even the thickest decals lay down. Sometimes it takes a few applications. It literally dissolves the decal onto the model. If you touch it to early, forget about it...But after it does its magic, it will turn out great.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 11:15 PM
Well, Thanks for the input. I had Micro-Sol in my hand too, but the guy at the hobby shop recomended the solvaset instead. He said it wasn't as agressive as the Micro-Sol and that most guys who came in gave the Solvaset very good reviews. I thought I'd try that seeing how I had never used solvents before, guess I was wrong (lowers his head in shame). I just wanted to make sure it wasn't due to old decals or anything. Like I said they seem in really good shape though. Do you let the decals dry thoroughly before adding the Micro-Sol? I hadn't let them dry for more than a few minutes before I added the solvent, could that be a problem?
Thanks again

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: Sydney, Australia
Posted by Phil_H on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 5:19 AM

You did gloss coat the model before applying the decals didn't you? Decal setting solvents only really work on gloss surfaces. On "flat" painted surfaces the decal will wrinkle, as it's supposed to, but will often stay that way.

 

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: CT - USA
Posted by thevinman on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 8:30 AM

Phil_H has a very good point. He is right.

But, to your questions, No. You don't have to wait until the decal is totally dry. Just dry enough that it won't move on you when you apply the solvents. (usually, a good pat down with a something soft and absorbant will do) I use those little wedge sponges used for cosmetics.

Check out this site:
http://www.craigcentral.com/models/decals.asp

It's a great primer for the decaling process.

  • Member since
    November 2005
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 1, 2006 11:07 AM
I did paint it flat first, then I applied Future on top, concentrating one where the decals go, maybe I just didn't give it enough in that area. I think I applied enough though, because I masked and painted an area with enamel, and it didn't bother the acrylic underneath.
 Thanks for the input. Maybe I'll shoot the top half with future again before applying those decals.

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