Micro Sol problem

whenever i apply Micro Sol to my decals, i get a "cracked" appearance on the decals. has anyone else experienced this? and how can i fix it?

Are you using the 2 step process or just the Micro Sol?

A lot of the time Micro Sol is too strong the decal especially small ones. That stuff will wrinkle/shrink the decal no problem.

I use Micro Set 80% time by itself. I only use Micro Sol when applying to extreme curves/angles. When I do use Micro Sol I still do the 2 step process.

In my experience Microsol is too strong for some decals. For instance I never use it straight on Tamiya decals, as it will dissolve them, especialy the clear carrier film. Then again some decals are so thick and tough that Microsol has no effect. In short you need to test the decals before using any type of decal solvent with them. If Microsol is too strong it can be diluted down to get the effect you are after.

So the answer to your question is always test a spare decal first to see if Microsol will have a negative reaction. If it does then either don't use it or dilute it down.

Good luck.

didnt know it was too strong. and i didnt get micro set because i didnt know about it at the time and the only hobby shop that i know of that sells it is an hour away. are there any Micro Sol Alternatives?

Try the phone book for hobby shops closer? Call around to see if any of them carry Set. I do strongly recommend Set.

are there any Micro Sol Alternatives?

model master sells decal solution. I've used this. it works well. its no microsol but your nearest LHS should carry some.

The only time my decals get cracked like an egg shell was on Subaru. Then, I was wondering what went wrong and I think I find it. It's the only time I put decals right on the TS-50 paint without any preparation. Is it a pure coincidence, still have to work this out but but maybe it's the anwser.

Hang on a sec...

MicroSet and MicroSol are actually a team and are to be used together.

MicroSet cleans and preps the surface for the decal, removing body oils, mold releases, left over paint solvents and also contains a surfactant to lower surface tension and allow the decal to slide more easily. It smells like vinegar.

MicroSol is a decal solvent used to literally melt the carrier film of the decal and allow it to stretch and conform to irregular surfaces and compound curves. It contains a solvent which will cause a wrinkling effect on the decals (and smells like..uhm, a solvent!) BUT, once dry the decals usually lay back down as long as you DO NOT TOUCH THE DECAL WHILE IT IT WRINKLED!

***CAUTION*** Some manufacturer's decals do not like MicroSol and will forever be wrinkled and remember that we're talking about decal not model manufacturers (Tamiya uses several companies to outsource their decals as do most OEM's). How can you tell whether the decals you have are MicroSol compatible? Simple, use a spare decal (the little "car silhouette" decals on the Tamiya sheets are perfect for this as are most kit manufacturer name decals).

I hope this helps and remember to always test when trying something new...or something old...or whenever trying something ;-)>

Bill

rgr that. thanks for the info.