microsol/microset

Hi
I was wondeing if someone could explain to me how to use this stuff? i got some decals and it says to use it, but i dont understand what to do.I dont have any of it yet but ill be getting some.

thanks Nathan

Micro Set is brushed on the spot where the decal will sit, it cleans the surface and gets the decal to stick better.
Micro Sol is used when the decal has to conform to a complex curve, such as a fender, down bodypanels or every other place where the decals wan't go without huzzle.
If the decal is put on a straight surface without any nooks and crannies just use a dab more of Set instead of Sol.
A word of warning! Be careful when you work with sol and don't tamper to much with the decal after it's applied. The decal will get very soft, like a chewing gum sometimes (depends on the decal brand) just let it dry. Don't worry if it wrinkles and look like shit, it'll smooth out as it dries. If still not conformed and/or wrinkled cut/puncture the bubbles/wrinkles and put on some more Sol and let it do it's magic.

Good luck!
Niclas

edit: Niclas beat me to it...

Hi Nathan!
Microset (blue bottle text) makes the decal softer to conform more easy to a irregular surface. Put some on the part where you are going to add the decal and also brush some on the decal after you've soaked it in water. Put the decal in place and maybe use some more to make the decal conform.
Microsol (red bottle text) makes the decal adhere to the surface and look more "painted" on. THe decal gets very fragile when you've added this stuff so be careful with pressing and adding more solution.
I guess others will fill in with more info.
best regards
/Joel

Does the Micro sol or Micro set damage the painted surface? I've read they make decals easy to contour to the surface, but it can make them very fragile.

I take it adding Mico sol cuts the decal into the paint, or something and then Micro set helps it form correctly.

No no, it will not harm paint job, it just melts the decal slightly, paint stays the same, like Joel said Sol melts decal to confirm to complex surfice and Set is for general use.

So is Micro Sol basically the same as Mr. Mark Softer from Gunze/Mr. Hobby? Because that's the only thing I can get at my LHS here in Switzerland...

Never tried the Gunze stuff but could be the same, only difference is strengh of the stuff, for example Testors also have it but it is very mild (weak) and will be good only for Italerio decals and you will have to use hair drier. Tameo has super strong stuff but this one will melt Italeri decals for sure, so different types for different decals, but I am sure we talked about this before. Anyhow if it is to weak use hair drier but check first on scrap decal if it is to strong.

If you read the How To on C/F decal application, it's one of the topics covered in there.

Just use the Gunze, it is the best I've found, and I've been in the decal business for decades. It may take several minutes to soften some decals, but that's better than having a solvent eat them too quickly. The Gunze is all I use now. - Mark