using Micro Set and Micro Sol?

[mickbench]

I think I’m using Micro set and Micro Sol incorrectly, and I need to confirm how best to use these products,

Last night I stuffed up a decal (a seatbelt of all things) due to I think using these products incorrectly. I applied Micro set to the area where I was to apply the decal, and then placed the decal on the same location. I applied another layer of Micro set, but then I foolishly applied Micro Sol right afterwards. I think this was wrong, as the decal just curled up and almost rolled into a little ball..!!

OK – Now I’ve been applying Micro Set, allowing this to dry, placing a soft tissue over the decal before completely dry to press onto the part, and then after it has fully dried I then apply Micro Sol.

The decal goes wrinkly, but it does dry flat after a few hours.. Is this the (now) correct technique to using these products?

Getting a little tired of ruining decals, but I’m sure the above method is now correct. Many Thanks

[proosen]

It seems you got the hang of it now.
I only use Sol when the decal has to conform to complex curves, otherwise I just brush on some more Set and let it dry thoroughly. It's important that the decal has layed down as good as it can before using Sol as it's litterary melts the decal in order to snuggle it down in all nooks and crannies.

Good luck!
Niclas

[freakray]

The decals on the kit you have (the Impreza) aren't compatible with setting solutions and solvents, you may want to check out trying the heat method.

[AstroRide44]

how do u know if the decals are sol or set compatable?

[lotus_man]

Originally Posted by AstroRide44

how do u know if the decals are sol or set compatable?

Trial and error. In general you are OK with pretty much anything except Tamiya 'glossy' decals. They work fine with the Blue one (I forget if thats Set or Sol), but hate the Red one.

[mickbench]

The kit I'm building has two sets of decals. One are glossy, the other are normal decals???

I've been using both, and other then that seatbelt it's been fine. But I've not applied any of the glossy decals yet - My car body needs re-painting first..

[bvia]

Originally Posted by AstroRide44

how do u know if the decals are sol or set compatable?

Test. Practically every decal sheet has a decal you're not going to use. Tamiya nicely gives you the little silhouette and kit name on a little decal...which makes for the perfect test piece.

hth,
Bill

p.s. I use Micro-Set to clean the surface and Micro-Sol to melt it and make the decal conform...Tamiya decals are usually not Micro-Sol compatible...Virages and Cartograph usually are.

[mickbench]

What happens if you put Micro Sol on decals that are not OK to use Micro Sol with?

I've used it on all my decals for the impreza I'm building, there were 7 decals per seat alone that I used both set and sol. Do they fall off or something, or crack or craze..?? Little worried now.

[Sticky Fingers]

I think Microsol melts Tamiya decals which is why you should never use sol with them. They're perfectly happy with Microset though (blue bottle)

[nis.k.a.]

Microset is more than effecient for applying to flat or slightly curved surfaces (like seats, straight body panels, spoiler surfaces). Sol is more for curved surfaces when you need the decal to conform to a bend or odd shape.

Sol will work on any major decal (Tamiya, Fujimi and Aoshima). Apply sparingly and after the decal has set for a little bit.

[mickbench]

Originally Posted by nis.k.a.

Microset is more than effecient for applying to flat or slightly curved surfaces (like seats, straight body panels, spoiler surfaces). Sol is more for curved surfaces when you need the decal to conform to a bend or odd shape.

Sol will work on any major decal (Tamiya, Fujimi and Aoshima). Apply sparingly and after the decal has set for a little bit.

Thanks for the info. This is where I made the mistake with that seatbelt. I applied sol just after I applied the decal to the surface.. Mistake..!!

Now I've had to oder new decals from Tamiya to get the seatbelt again. I'm learning, painfully..!!