Tell me everything about micro-sol

[Jazz is for losers]

http://www.microscale.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MI-2&Category_Code=FINPROD&Product_Count=0

Description:
\"Micro Sol setting solution is for the most difficult irregular surfaces you find on models. It completely softens the Microscale Decal allowing it to drape down onto the surface of the model conforming perfectly and without distortion. You can get the most amazing results in seemingly impossible places, because Micro Sol actually makes the decal part of the paint. For that reason you should coat Micro Sol on for only a few seconds and then leave it alone, it does the work. Do not touch until dry as the decal is very soft at this stage and could be easily damaged. \"


I thought it takes the shiny layer off the transfers (the film that holds the colour, and is visible around the edges).

Is this the stuff I\'m looking for? I\'m about to paint an army, so decals are required. However, after many years of freehanding abstract designs onto single minis, I cannot stand the thought of all my guys sporting a shiny film of plastic over and around their insignia.


Have you used micro-sol? How was it? Do you have any pics of micro-sol-ed transfers? Do you know of any UK based websites that sell it?

 

[DaN]

I haven\'t used it, or even heard of it, but it SOUNDS like it might dissolve the actually transfer sheet, leaving the pigmented area unaffected (In theory)...

However, if you do get any, I\'d always test it on different materials such as resin, or if you get a different paint...

 

[Einion]

Originally posted by Jazz is for losers
...I cannot stand the thought of all my guys sporting a shiny film of plastic over and around their insignia.

Er, decals have to be applied to a glossy surface to work right, so a final overspray with a good matt finish is required.

Obviously you\'re unlikely to be painting the entire model in gloss paints so spot coverage with Kleer or something similar works to prep an area for the application of the decal.

Einion

 

[Sukigod]

DaN got it right. It dissolves the transfer sheet leaving only the ink that\'s on the surface. I\'ve used this on my military models for years and it does a great job of laying that ink right down on the painted surface.

Also, as DaN mentioned, practice somewhere else first! As anything in this hobby wil teach you, always test out a new technique or product on something you don\'t care for first until you get the feel and understand how it will actually perform.

Good Luck!

 

[Baz]

Wow I used to have some of this stuff my dad had left over from the 70\'s. It does dissolve the carrier film and works amazingly. Where do you get it nowadays? The local model shops here told me that they didn\'t make it anymore, morons.

 

[Baz]

Plus I believe it used to be called micro coat flat.

 

[Sukigod]

Solvaset is another product like Micro-Sol that dissolves the backing and seems to work a bit better. I see this a lot on model railroading sites/books. Googling the name brings up a few online sources.

 

[JakeSh]

I have used this before. Works freaking great. Highly recommended if you really must use decals. I didn\'t even put the decals over a gloss coat, just straight onto the paint, and you can barely tell they are there.

 

[Jazz is for losers]

ok thanks guys, looks like i need some asap.

 

[Jazz is for losers]

Well I got some and used it, results were tragic. Very much not what I wanted to happen (basically the carrier film has not dissolved at all). I used it on a Cadian decal. I have heard that GW uses thick carrier film, could this be the problem? (When I bought the stuff the guy said that it works on most decals). Luckily I tested it and didn\'t go straight to my concept mini.

 

[Einion]

Maybe these\'ll help:
Applying Decals by Michael Pino
decal tips

Einion

 

[Jazz is for losers]

Thanks Einion, they definately look useful. Do you ever use (or have you ever used) decals? Is this the method you use?