Post by Whiterook on Sept 12, 2023 16:38:36 GMT -5
These were the first decal treatment solutions I ever used and still remain my go to (though Mr. Mark solutions, from Gunze has my attention, as do Urban’s recommendation of DACO products). These come in separate bottles and each does something a little different as a softening agent designed to be used with decals (transfers).
It enables decals to conform to rough (ex. recesses panel lines or sharp valley joints) and curved surfaces, by basically melting the decal into the surfaces, especially the nooks and crannies. Making the decal conform so precisely does two things: It helps to rescue the chance of air bubbles, which when air gets under a decal, it produces an unwanted effect known as “silvering”, where the decal looks like a separate decal on a model; and the melting into the surface produces the look of a “painted on” rondel or other unit marking. Both these products are to be used together, but at different stages.
The way to use the two products is:
Finally, you should seal your model with your choice of dullcoat or matte varnish, which will remove the slightly glossy finish the setting solution leaves.
This product is much different from the Gunze products, as you don’t necessarily need to use both. Micro Set slightly softens the decal film to make it more flexible so that it will conform better to the model’s surface. Better adhesion of the decal to the model prevents tiny air bubbles from forming and results in an invisible carrier film for the so-called ‘painted on look.’ Micro Sol setting solution is for the most difficult irregular surfaces to be found on models. It completely softens the Microscale Decal, allowing it to drape down onto the surface of the model, comforming perfectly to surface irregularities without distortion.
….if that sounds confusing to you, join the club! They confused me for years, and if you look online, no two people seem to agree on usage. The above is what I’ve figured out in personal experice.
It enables decals to conform to rough (ex. recesses panel lines or sharp valley joints) and curved surfaces, by basically melting the decal into the surfaces, especially the nooks and crannies. Making the decal conform so precisely does two things: It helps to rescue the chance of air bubbles, which when air gets under a decal, it produces an unwanted effect known as “silvering”, where the decal looks like a separate decal on a model; and the melting into the surface produces the look of a “painted on” rondel or other unit marking. Both these products are to be used together, but at different stages.
The way to use the two products is:
- First, apply a coat of gloss varnish (I use Future Floor acrylic, brushed on) to protect the model’s paint job and to create a perfectly smooth surface for the transfer to adhere to.
- Once dry, you then apply a thin coat of Micro Set with a brush. It acts as an adhesive, that will increase the bonding, and will also help to keep the decal in place even on the aforementioned irregular or curved parts of the model. Apply the decal over this area and apply gentle pressure to the decal with a moistened (but not wet!) cotton bud (Q-Tip) (or soft cloth), removing any excessive liquid and ensuring that the decal down fast. The decal will stick perfectly, even on uneven or curved surfaces.
- Once the decal and the Setter solution have dried, you may be fine at that stage and can just move on to sealing it with a dullcoat or Matt varnish. However, for particularly thick or troublesome decals, you can then apply coats of Micro Sol, letting each coat dry before applying the next. Sol is much stronger and will “melt” the decal better. Each coat will soften the carrying film of the transfer more and more, until the decal has perfectly conformed to the model’s surface without any wrinkles or bubbles, and the carrier film’s edges are no longer visible (the aforementioned, “silvering”). NOTE: If air bubbles do get in between the decal and the model surface, allow the decal to dry, and then carefully prick the decal with a needle and insert Micro Sol through the resulting hole. The air will escape, and the decal will then stick down conforming to the surface of the plastic part.
Finally, you should seal your model with your choice of dullcoat or matte varnish, which will remove the slightly glossy finish the setting solution leaves.
This product is much different from the Gunze products, as you don’t necessarily need to use both. Micro Set slightly softens the decal film to make it more flexible so that it will conform better to the model’s surface. Better adhesion of the decal to the model prevents tiny air bubbles from forming and results in an invisible carrier film for the so-called ‘painted on look.’ Micro Sol setting solution is for the most difficult irregular surfaces to be found on models. It completely softens the Microscale Decal, allowing it to drape down onto the surface of the model, comforming perfectly to surface irregularities without distortion.
….if that sounds confusing to you, join the club! They confused me for years, and if you look online, no two people seem to agree on usage. The above is what I’ve figured out in personal experice.