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[C2] Decal setting solution -?

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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 06:30 AM
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Default Decal setting solution -?

Valve covers decals lifting off ? Starts to just lift the edges off & then after a week or so starts peeling back a good portion of the decal these are the water transfer style from I believe Paragon?
QUESTION: Anyone use that decal setting solution (Micro-Sol)? I’ve read on-line where a lot of modelers use this type of product not sure how it interacts with painted surfaces like the Valve Covers?

Getting ready to apply that Large air cleaner decal onto the Rochester F.I. A/C housing not sure how that interacts with that freshly painted surface ? This area may be a lot more forgiving doesn’t see the heat like the valve covers?








Early stages both covers are like this drivers side is a lot worse



Sorry So-so pic you guys get the idea:-(..

Here’s a pic of the freshly painted Air cleaner housing there’s a large decal that is originally installed onto it



Thanks
Chalie


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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 09:25 AM
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I have used microsol on my freshly painted models. Never had a problem. Of course the models are not subject to any engine heat. Put a small dab of solution on a hidden area and see what happens.
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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 09:45 AM
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Originally Posted by mlflotus
I have used microsol on my freshly painted models. Never had a problem. Of course the models are not subject to any engine heat. Put a small dab of solution on a hidden area and see what happens.
Agree, I was thinking to cut a small piece & Apply it in a unseen area on the air cleaner for a test I have some old v/covers that will be my first test.

Thanks
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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 01:30 PM
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I have had good luck with plain old vinegar instead of water.

Don
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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 02:14 PM
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L72copo....... you're right! I did a google search for "does vinegar work as a decal soaking solution" ----- got a long list of links that all say YES! Many of them advise diluting the vinegar in warm water, mostly around 1 part vinegar to 5 to 8 parts water. A few even mentioned that commercially available decal solutions use vinegar as the primary ingredient. Two sites stated that commercial solutions are weak acetic acids - and that is exactly what water & vinegar is - same same! Thanks.
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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 64L76
L72copo....... you're right! I did a google search for "does vinegar work as a decal soaking solution" ----- got a long list of links that all say YES! Many of them advise diluting the vinegar in warm water, mostly around 1 part vinegar to 5 to 8 parts water. A few even mentioned that commercially available decal solutions use vinegar as the primary ingredient. Two sites stated that commercial solutions are weak acetic acids - and that is exactly what water & vinegar is - same same! Thanks.
Interesting, all this just to adhere some water transfer decals I just don’t remember my G.I. Joe decals lifting:-).. or for that matter a lot of cars rolled out from the factory & lasted a lot longer than my 2 weeks with my valve cover decals?

Soooo did something change in the manufacturing of these decals or is it my process that’s missing something, I did learn to rub some test before trying it again with my replacement decals again..

Thanks Again
** I hope this decal setting solution Micro-Sol (vinegar & water) was the step I was missing, thanks again for the info:-). **


Soooo when this bottle runs out just replace it with water/vinegar:-)..

Approx. 2-weeks on car, drivers side was worse lasted maybe a week?
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Old Jan 23, 2023 | 08:44 PM
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I have some reproduction Mopar decals made in Sweden that set in water. I used a quick detailer, McGuire's final wipe, Griot's detailer, anything without wax. Micro Sol softens which means weakens the decal. No denying that, and then engine heat finishes it off.

Dan
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Old Jan 24, 2023 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Chalie M
Valve covers decals lifting off ? Starts to just lift the edges off & then after a week or so starts peeling back a good portion of the decal these are the water transfer style from I believe Paragon?
QUESTION: Anyone use that decal setting solution (Micro-Sol)? I’ve read on-line where a lot of modelers use this type of product not sure how it interacts with painted surfaces like the Valve Covers?

Getting ready to apply that Large air cleaner decal onto the Rochester F.I. A/C housing not sure how that interacts with that freshly painted surface ? This area may be a lot more forgiving doesn’t see the heat like the valve covers?








Early stages both covers are like this drivers side is a lot worse



Sorry So-so pic you guys get the idea:-(..

Here’s a pic of the freshly painted Air cleaner housing there’s a large decal that is originally installed onto it



Thanks
Chalie
I bought the mylar decals and bent them around my index finger until they had a curve that matched the valve cover. They have been stuck in the same position ever since they were installed.
You can do the same thing with the decals before you soak them. They will be less likely to peel if the curvature matches.
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Old Jan 24, 2023 | 06:45 PM
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Originally Posted by CCrane72
I bought the mylar decals and bent them around my index finger until they had a curve that matched the valve cover. They have been stuck in the same position ever since they were installed.
You can do the same thing with the decals before you soak them. They will be less likely to peel if the curvature matches.
THANKS, I will try…

Chalie
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