clear coat or setting solution on decals?

[rpstar]

My question is are you suppose to apply a setting solution over the decals in addition to a clear coat over decals or can you skip the setting solution alltogether? Also do you apply a clear coat prior to the decal application? Thank You

[Gridgirl]

For your first question, clear coat and setting solution are two entirely unrelated products that are used for entirely unrelated purposes. Setting solution helps to soften the decal film so that the decal adheres well. It is particularly helpful if you are decaling a curvy surface, the softened film will cling to curves better than if it were stiff. After the decals are dry, you can then choose to use clearcoat. This has two results, it protects the decal - making it so you're less likely to damage all your hard work in further handling the model, and it gives depth - the decal doesn't look like something that was stuck on top (though this look can be appropriate in some situations).

For your second question, decals work best on smooth glossy surfaces. If you have a smooth glossy surface, there is no need for a clear coat. However, if you have a duller surface, then decals will adhere better, and not silver, if you clear coat first.

Hope that helps

[356speedster]

I'm no decal expert but I have picked up some info from this site.

Microset is a wetting agent (eliminates water surface tension) and is applied on the body before the decal is placed.

Microsol is supposed to soften the decal film thereby making it conform to surface irregularities, and is applied on the decal after it is placed on the body.

The body paint should be as smooth at possible before applying decals, so sand and polish it before decals. But since metallic paints never should be sanded directly you have to apply a clearcoat to seal the metallic paint first.

You dont have to clearcoat after decals, but it does hide the decal edges and it does protect the decal.

Hope this helps!

[winstona]

Originally Posted by Gridgirl

It is particularly helpful if you are decaling a curvy surface, the softened film will cling to curves better than if it were stiff.
Hope that helps

I think you are talking about decal solvent? Decal setting solution is different than decal solvent (e.g. Microset VS Microsol)

Decal Setting solution - Softens the decal and makes it settle better. it also helps minimize silvering (You still need a glossy surface). But it does not help settle the decal over a curvy surface.

Decal Solvent - Soften the decal even more than decal setting solution. It almost "melts" the decal and make it conform to any surface. It is recommended that you don't touch the decal while this is applied because you may screw it up while it is melting...

Clear Coat over decal - Two purposes:

1. Protect your decals
2. Cover your decals so that it looks more like paint on the car body than stickers on the car body. This is perfected by wet sanding and polishing the clear coat after application to smoothen the raised areas of the decals. If you want a professional finish on your race cars, you must do this.

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by winstona

I think you are talking about decal solvent? Decal setting solution is different than decal solvent (e.g. Microset VS Microsol)

Decal Setting solution - Softens the decal and makes it settle better. it also helps minimize silvering (You still need a glossy surface). But it does not help settle the decal over a curvy surface.

Decal Solvent - Soften the decal even more than decal setting solution. It almost "melts" the decal and make it conform to any surface. It is recommended that you don't touch the decal while this is applied because you may screw it up while it is melting...

Originally Posted by 356speedster

Microset is a wetting agent (eliminates water surface tension) and is applied on the body before the decal is placed.

Microsol is supposed to soften the decal film thereby making it conform to surface irregularities, and is applied on the decal after it is placed on the body.

Well, not really guys.

'Decal setting solution' and 'Decal Solvent' are one and the same. The difference between Micro Set and Micro Sol is water and marketing. On both bottles, they are described identically as "Setting Solution For Decal". Ever notice how much alike they smell? Solvaset, which is stronger than either, describes itself as "Decal Setting Solution". Solvaset doesn't make a weaker strength solution, but the label points out that if one is needed, "Solvaset may be thinned with water".

'Setting solution' and 'solvent' both soften decals, improve adhesion, and help them to setle on irregular surfaces. Micro Sol does it a bit more aggressively than Micro Set. it is recommended that you don't touch decals after applying either.

[Scale-Master]

Speaking as someone who has been in the model decal industry for decades, MPWR has it right...

I prefer the Gunze Sanyo Mr. Mark Softer. It's all I use. And you can "work" the decal while using it. It may be a bit "cooler" than other solvents, but that also helps you not eat/melt the decals, want it hotter, leave it on longer... - Mark

[winstona]

Originally Posted by MPWR

Well, not really guys.

'Decal setting solution' and 'Decal Solvent' are one and the same. The difference between Micro Set and Micro Sol is water and marketing.

Well then their marketing is pretty good then... I was tricked into believeing that you need both...

Thanks for the clarification, MPWR. Now I know.

Winston

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by winstona

Well then their marketing is pretty good then... I was tricked into believeing that you need both...

I wouldn't really call it a 'trick' of marketing. It can be useful to have both. I certainly wouldn't use a stronger solution like Micro Sol or Solvaset without a weaker one, too. I use Micro Set on just about everything, and only use Micro Sol on really the most stubborn decals. But I'd say I agree with Scale-Master, in that I like to use the weakest solution that will get the job done. May just have to try the Gunze stuff.

[klutz_100]

I'll just add my name to the "Sucker List"
They got me thinking that they were 2 completely different formulas etc etc etc.

Oh well, the pit falls of conventional wisdom and received opinion are many indeed

[RallyRaider]

Originally Posted by MPWR

The difference between Micro Set and Micro Sol is water and marketing. On both bottles, they are described identically as "Setting Solution For Decal". Ever notice how much alike they smell?

Huh? They smell very different to me. For the vast majority of applications I don't bother with Microset (blue) - it's too weak. Only needed on very fragile decals, like Tamiya ones that have a lot of clear areas.

And I always poke and prod the decals after applying the solutions. Despite what the instructions might say.

[nugundam93]

rallyraider: you sure are a lucky one then.

ruined a couple of black decals on my 1/24 fujimi advan piaa lanevo7 after i tried to move it around after putting in micro sol. good thing it was black, just had to paint instead.