Decals Do Look Painted On With Micro Sol MI-2
I've been using Micro Sol Setting Solution (MI-2 in red lettered bottle)for quite a while and paying more for it elsewhere. It's very affordable at HobbyLinc and at their price I can use it without feeling like I'm applying liquid gold to my decals.
The Setting Solution will shrink, soften and stretch your decals to conform to most any variety of surface shaping. Used properly you no longer have to worry about one edge riding up on a curved, angled surface or uneven surfaces like aircraft wing rivets or across door and body panels on a car.
The directions on the bottles are clear, concise and I have found following them (for once) gives the very best results.
Though not a Con., this solution works quickly on decals. Decals come in different thicknesses and with the thinner decals it will soften them to a point that they are easily damaged if you try to move them a lot once applied. The best course is to use the Micro Sol Setting Solution (MI-1 in blue lettered bottle) sparingly until you get your exact placement, then let it dry some before applying the MI-2 in the red lettered bottle.
An essential help for decal applying.
As advertised it completely softens the Decals, allowing it to drape down onto the surface of the model, conforming perfectly to surface irregularities without distortion. Micro Sol actually makes the decal part of the painted surface, obviously it depends on the quality of the decal, if its bad or below average, don't expect miracles. For the best results, first apply Micro Sol to prepare the surface and enhance the adhesive, Then put the decal, Then, when everything is dry enough that the decal will not move easily, apply Micro Sol with a small flat brush, and then leave it alone. It does the work. Do not touch until the decal has dried, as the decal is very soft at this stage and could be easily damaged, or it could move from the correct position. One application is enough in most cases but, some irregular surfaces require more applications of Micro Sol. I work with 1/72 model kits, and this product became essential for me.
