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Looking for ways to make decals not look like decals. My local hobby store has micro set and micro sol. Anyone in the vast pool of knowledge that is dakka know what these products do and what the difference is?

Thanks

If I can get this the right way round:

Micro sol is the basic solution for settling down on the model.

Micro set is stronger and softens the decal to conform more readily to awkward surfaces.
You need to apply the sol as normal then the set.

When I apply decals to my scale aircraft models I always do so over a gloss finish. I use Johnson's Klear (Futur in the USA) Apply decals as per the instructions on the Micro stuff bottles.
Allow to dry
Seal with varnish- either gloss or matt depending on the weathering treatment required.
Final varnish, again depending on finish.

This sounds complicated but is necessary to stop "silvering" and it hides the decal carrier film.
I have no experience of GW decals but assume they don't silver as have not heard it mentioned.

If the decal is put on a very matt finish it may flake off after a while.
Again this may not be such a problem using Citadel paints as the finish is not a strong matt one.

I believe that is the correct order, Chibi. As for GW decals, I only have limited experience myself, but I've never really run into much trouble with them...though I rarely use them. If I did, I'd probably invest in the Micro Sol/Set solutions just as a precaution; I've heard they work wonders.

Thanks for confirming Khiros

I reckon that for shoulder pad decals and the majority of decal application just the Sol would be sufficient.
I only use the Set when absolutely necessary.

Also if you have white vinegar in the house, that apparently does the same job, afaik the main ingredient in Micro Set is acetic acid.

Might just try it out with some spares to see if white vinegar does work.

Awesome info from the dakka modeling gurus! Appreciate the response. Sounds like I need the micro sol mostly, probably just get em both.

Thanks for the quick response

MicorSol and MicroSet, while being good products are not going to make the decal blend with the surface that it is being applied too., they will just allow the decal to lie flat and contour with the surface.

If you want get rid of the "ridge" that is between the decal and the surface you need a clear coat like Future Floor Polish...apply some of this to the decal after it has been placed and that will solve most of the problems.