Effective & Safe Decal Solutions for use with Acrylics

Future floor polish is the way to go - it's acrylic and leaves a nice gloss finish for those decals to lay down flat. Afterwards just spray a flat coat over top.

Wow, another Future recommendation! OK, so do I just apply the Future to the surface of the model and slide the decal on (after wetting the decal in water), and spray a flat coat when all is dry? It's as simple as that? There will be no reaction with the acrylic paint surface? I've heard great things about Future - do the decals really adhere to "every nook and cranny?" Thanks

Yes, the decals should adhere quite well - of course wait for the future to dry completely. If you do have a surface that is quite irregular you can do one of two things:
apply a 2nd coat of future with a brush and place the decal while the surface is somewhat tacky, or if there is very protruding piece detail where the decal must sit it would be best to just cut out of the decal that area and paint it afterwards.

Notimetomodel -
I've been using acrylics for several years. I don't know about the other decal solvents, but I've had no trouble using Microset, Microsol, or Solvaset. Just be sure to apply the decals to a gloss surface and remove any residue with a damp cloth or sponge when dry.

Pete

Pete-

Thanks. I'll try those products - one quick comment, though - I thought that decals would adhere to the smooth finish of acrylic paints directly, thus negating the need for any gloss coat application. Am I wrong, or does the gloss coat simply make for a better seal? Thanks!

Notimetomodel -

The glossier the surface, the better the decals will adhere. If you apply the decals to matte surface, it is likely that some air will be trapped and show, when dry, as what is called "silvering" under the clear film at the edges. If you don't overcoat the decals, in time they will dry out and mostlikely crack and curl up. The overcoat also hides the clear decal film to achieve a truely painted on look.

Pete

Thanks, Pete. That, of course, makes sense, despite what I'd read about acrylics and decals. I'll definitely spray on an overall gloss coat and then spray a flat coat when finished. Thanks for the tips!

On rough surgaces, I apply first the future, then the decal (on the still fresh Future), then a drop of Microsol. Works well.

I also finish off my decal apps with another thin coat of gloss, just to make sure they are sealed properly. I've had no probs with the ModelMaster set, but it doesn't work well with all decals, namely Academy and Hasegawa.

demono69

Just don't do the stupid thing I did..............mistaking the bottle of Micro Liquid Decal Film for Micro Set.(they both have blue lettering on the bottle) The stuff works great for dissolving acrylics I can tell ya .