non-conforming decals!

[Hawk312]

I am trying to get the decals on my `69 Z28 to conform to the cowl hood, and it`s not working. :cry: :cry: cry: :cry: :cry: cry: I am using setting solution and have tried cold water and warm water. I have been working on the right side decal for 20 minutes trying to get the bubbles and creases out. Anyone have any tips? It is Monogram`s 1/12 scale kit, and I am using Micro Sol setting solution.

[Purpura Delujo]

Nope, i'm out of ideas, but holy crap! 1/12th Camaro!

[Hawk312]

, but holy crap! 1/12th Camaro!

Heh heh, yeah it`s big. It`s a shame I`m having such trouble with it cause it is an otherwise beautiful kit with near perfect proportions and alot of detail. I highly recommend it if you don`t mind having trouble with the decals. I will hopefully have pictures of it finsihed tomorrow as I am wrapping it up as we speak (or type :-D )

[daggerlee]

Micro Sol? That's the red bottle right? Maybe you need something stronger - there's something the aircraft guys use that is super strong, but I can't remember the name right now. All I can recommend is using a soft cotton cloth soaked in hot water, or Q-tips soaked in water, and try rolling the bubbles out.

[freakray]

Hawk,
If you have problems with bubbles, try pricking them with a pin, then apply setting solution and work the bubble flat by using a q-tip to puch the air out the hole.....
Setting solutions are strange things, some decals are great with a little help from them, and some really just don't work with them.....I know most Tamiya decals are in the don't work category, but I have found some Revell kits are great with setting solution, and some are just plain nightmarish!!
I have found the hot cloth/paper towel method to be very effective myself ( I think 935 told me about it), I get the tap running really hot, then I get the rag wet(the water is so hot I can barely keep hold of the rag), then I quick squeeze the worst of the water out and place it over the decal. I did this on my Peugeot 206 and every decal has conformed to every surface without ever seeing any type of solution.
I am sure there are others with far better tips than me, I just find it really difficult to set what is in my head onto the screen.....sorry....

Ray

[freakray]

Sorry for not using the edit, I did not want this to be lost, there is a setting solution stronger than MicroSol or Microset, it is called Walther's SolvaSet, it is mainly used by the railroad guys, but it works great, I have a bottle and love it!!!

Ray

[Purpura Delujo]

I wouldn't mind one if I could find a fat engine & some 455 slicks, but I doubt anyone would make those in 1/12th...I wouldn't bother with decals, i'd just paint it black.

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

I think Dale aka 935k3 has mentioned using a hot, steamy towel to soften the decals and help conform them to the surface.

Micro Set is what you should use before Micro Sol, it smells like vinegar. The two work together. Solvaset is much stronger, but it is dangerously strong on too many decals w/o at least testing them. I'd suggest trying the hot, steamy towel or rag, perhaps using a hand-held hair dryer as well to dry/conform them. That's worked for me w/Scale Motorsports carbon fiber decals and seat pattern decals.

Is the doctor in the house?

[Hawk312]

Freakray gets the gold prize!! I owe you one!
The hot towel trick worked, and the decal looks more opaque than the one with setting solution!! Maybe I will try to peel the other one off and put another one on with your trick.
Thanks!

I wouldn't mind one if I could find a fat engine & some 455 slicks, but I doubt anyone would make those in 1/12th...I wouldn't bother with decals, i'd just paint it black.

Here is the great thing about Monograms 1/12 kits, the `69 Camaro, `57 Chevy, and `67 Corvette 427. They all build up in different versions with lots of extra parts including tires, blowers, decals, wheels, and other engine hop-ups. My Camaro can be built 3 ways and I am pretty sure the other two can as well. All of them come with 10 tires and two sets of wheels! Plus, if you kitbash, you can have a big block engine (from the vette) or a small block (from the camaro or `57 chevy). All of them have great proportions!!
By the way, the Camaro I am building is black with white stripes.

[freakray]

Hawk,
You are too kind, but it is not I but 935k3 that deserves the prize, since all I did was repeat a tip he gave me some time back.
Anyways, I am glad it worked for you, hope you can get all the rest of the decals done too.
When can we see some photos?

Ray

[935k3]

I did bring up the hot towel trick. I have done more decals in my life than I can remember and the hot towel trick works better than anything. You do not get the wrinkle problems associated with solvents and it sets instantly. One thing to do first is once the decal is in place go over it with a clean paint brush just like your brushing it on. This will smooth it out and get rid of bubbles then attack with the hot towel. I think is tip(hot towel) is cuurently listed on Tamiya's website and I have seen it on instruction sheets and decals over the years, it's the best.

By the way hawk we should get together some time I live up in Mechanicsburg. Do you attend any model clubs in the area?

[Hawk312]

By the way hawk we should get together some time I live up in Mechanicsburg. Do you attend any model clubs in the area?

I keep getting asked to go to the one that meets in Mt. Wolf on Saturdays, but I have yet to go. Maybe I will have to get out there. There are a couple great hobby shops up where you are. Theres not to much down here as far as models.

[freakray]

Lesseee now....York, Mechanicsburg, State College....we are all pretty close to one another aren't we?
Weird, so close, yet so far.....hehe

Ray

[bvia]

For future reference, I use Micro-Set to clean and prep the surface (It's a form of acetic? acid...i.e. vinegar), Micro-Set to dissolve the decal (it's another form of acid, but can't remember it's name off the top of my head) and the heat from a traveling/low wattage hair dryer. I also start with a sponge set in a ceramic bowl of 125+ F degree water on top of a coffee mug heater I found abandoned at work. The sponge helps to keep the decal from curling. Works every time for me.
hth,
Bill
:bandit: