Get your Microsol / Microset Decal solution here: amzn.to/38EAkDC All The Hobby Supplies I Swear By ➡️bit.ly/Essentialhobby Go Ad-Free & Support us on Patreon www.patreon.com/spikeybits 🔥 Hobby Table: ultrasonic model cleaner amzn.to/2tJ6adk Overhead Triple Bright Lamp (I use two) amzn.to/2hvz2PP Smaller Ultrasonic cleaner amzn.to/2MDpbu0 Dx Racer Chair amzn.to/2DpdNuM Gunnar Glasses Protect From Harmful Blue Light amzn.to/2ThnqS0 Purple Pad makes any chair better amzn.to/2ADGbJB Ott Light Portable Light with No Clamps amzn.to/2MB4jja Print your own Bits with this dope 3d Printer: amzn.to/2KEVMOL Masters Airbrush Spray Booth With LED Lights: amzn.to/2Vh714U Gamer Black Dual Fan Spray Booth amzn.to/3qbIqJQ Heavy-duty paint mixer is fun AF: amzn.to/39hjzN7 Amazon 11x17 Poster Frame 2 Pack for starter box inserts: amzn.to/39lCk1U Adjustable TV Tray Table is perfect for hobbying: amzn.to/2tVxgkU XL version amzn.to/2U2SKqN 3D Printing Anycubic photon S 3D printer is magic for minis amzn.to/2LYB1fl Anycubic Photon is pretty affordable and easy to use: amzn.to/3i8MKqu New Anycubic Photon Mono amzn.to/3sxmon0 Anycubic Wash & Cure Station amzn.to/3nCBUdD Egoo Mars (has pretty high marks as well from folks) amzn.to/2U4aMr4 Hobby Supplies 15ml Dropper Bottles amzn.to/2Mmp7Lh Matte Coat In Any Conditions Testors Lusterless Spray amzn.to/2MDumGA Plastic putty for gap filling amzn.to/2XISqw1 Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement Quick-Setting: amzn.to/2XISqw1 Testors Liquid Cement For Plastics: amzn.to/2KZq2Cr Hobby Miniature Holder- bit.ly/Gameenvy Cheesecloth for making Camo cloaks amzn.to/2XE46QL Testors Easy Lift Off Stripper (ELO) amzn.to/2W2NKRA Metallic Sharpie Markers For Painting amzn.to/2T8Mc6S Wet Pallet (small) bit.ly/Gameenvy Wet Pallet Army Painter bit.ly/Armypainterwet Vallejo Chipping Medium amzn.to/2FKCpyX Shapers Brushes for filling gaps with putties amzn.to/2lzzbHt Mr. Polisher for trimming mold lines amzn.to/2KuBmpC Refilling Paint Water Pot: bit.ly/Gameenvy Green Stuff: amzn.to/2OmOqOz Bomb Wicks & Igniter paintbrushes for miniatures bit.ly/MoumentHobbies Tentacle & Tube Maker: bit.ly/tentaclemaker Hand Sized Pin Vice amzn.to/2OtCniO Drill Bits For Magnets amzn.to/2OtC47E High-Quality Sable Paint Brushes: bit.ly/Gameenvy Sculpting tools Set: amzn.to/38GTjh6 Hand Sized Pin Vice amzn.to/2OtCniO Drill Bits For Magnets amzn.to/2OtC47E Microsol / Microset Decal solution amzn.to/38EAkDC High-Quality Sable Paint Brushes: bit.ly/Gameenvy Dead Flat Testors Lusterless Replacement amzn.to/3oIn6eO Dremel Rotary Tool Set amzn.to/2MYlz6d Liquitex Resin Sand: amzn.to/3v2yQLk 2 Step Paint Brush Cleaner: Winsor Newton Cleaner removes dried paint amzn.to/2BvX5sh Jentastic Brush Goop Conditioner after each use: bit.ly/MoumentHobbies Airbrushes & Accessories: H&S Evolution Airbrush (Aluminium) amzn.to/2yBB5ZO H&S Evolution Airbrush (Chrome finish) amzn.to/3aui52M H&S Colani Airbrush amzn.to/2ztGXJ4 Badger Patriot 105 amzn.to/2H2TOmo Iwata Eclipse Airbrush amzn.to/2WI1GB0 GSI Creos PS770 amzn.to/2rSzvVg Sparmax Compressor amzn.to/2CN3srb Tooty No-Name Compressor amzn.to/2QS3SFj Aspire Compressor amzn.to/2RJvWcD Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver amzn.to/2Sh8Xbk Vallejo Airbrush Thinner amzn.to/2GVz956 Grex Airbrush Cleaner amzn.to/2U3wqtL Figure Storage: Collapsible Tournament Push Cart amzn.to/2GZYdJa Clear Case For Miniatures 15"x 17", 6" Tall amzn.to/2Yo2kEn Project Cart With 6 Cases for Miniatures 12"x12" 2"-1/2" amzn.to/2Wq42Ua Steel Sheet (For Clear Cases) amzn.to/2H4L1S5 3M Double Sided Mounted Table (For Steel Sheets) amzn.to/2JlrZZp 10 Adhesive Magnetic Sheets 8.5" x 11" 20 mil Magnet Peel & Stick amzn.to/2LnDLF1 Sterlite Bins x12 amzn.to/2lzsdCj Large Acid-Free Cases Perfect for miniatures like Magnus, Mortarion, Beetle Lady & more. amzn.to/2TR9T4X These are affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I use a dry Q-tip to roll across the decal to push air bubbles out. And I use Micro Sol on a Q-tip to push the decal down into the contours of the model, like if its going over some armour plating segments. Awesome video Rob thanks!!
What is the point of Micro Sol and softening in this case as the decal is going over a surface that is perfectly smooth? Softening is used to make the decal sink over texture such as rivets, grooves, curves etc. to give the illusion that the decal was painted on. This example does not require it.
Pro tip: hit any panel (or the whole miniature, actually) you’re putting transfers on with gloss varnish FIRST. Then follow the micro set micro sol process. Don’t be afraid to gently apply micro sol several times. Just don’t touch the decal, as it will be softened. The micro sol helps the decal flow over round surfaces and also softens the edge to remove the ridge. Then follow with another gloss varnish, followed by a final matte varnish. The first coat of gloss helps in maneuvering the decal and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, it makes the surrounding panel have the same sheen as the decal.
When you say put the gloss varnish first, do you mean brush a coat on, let it dry, then micro set over top of it? Then follow this tut and at the end a thin coat of gloss varnish and matte varnish to get rid of the shiny border?
@@TheEgoraptor yes, one coat of gloss varnish, let dry, one coat of micro-set (or Vallejo Decal Fix), let dry a bit, apply decal, dry off decal (remove excess water with cottonswab or piece of paper towel), apply Micro-Sol (or Vallejo Decal Medium, also called Decal Softener), let sit for a couple of minutes, then gently brush from the center to the edges and press down the decal to have it completely smooth and flat on the surface. Then let dry and finish with a layer of matte varnish. that's how I do it, and it works for me since I started model building 30 years ago. Another product is Revell Decal Softener. this works without a fixing medium and is applied right before the decal is placed. the rest is as described above. One more thing: if you place decals on curved surfaces, it is highly important to use Micro-Sol, or any of the decal softener products, because the decal otherwise forms bubbles or wrinkles at the edges. looks bad and cannot be fixed when everything is dried without damaging the decal.
is there a semi-gloss and lusterless varnish that you can use with a paint brush and not a spray can? I have so many finished models that have zero decals and I really want to use this technique but I do not want to spray my entire finished models as I don't want their colors to start changing. Any suggestions?
vallejo satin varnish. but the glossyness of the varnish can be neglected, if you choose to matte the minis in the end with matte varnish. so, paint your model, put gloss varnish on the spots, you wish to put decals on, use micro sol, place decal, use micro set, oseal with matte varnish, done. alternatives to Vallejo: Army painter Anti-Shine varnish, or stuff from Reaper, P3, Secret Weapon, AK Interactive, Warcolours, Minitaire, etc. doesn't matter. as long you get something decent, it's fine. there's also an alternative to Micro-sol/-set: Vallejo Decal Fix and Decal Medium (a.k.a. Softener), Revell Decal Soft, Mr. Hobby Mr. Mark Softener, Tamiya Decal Adhesive, Lifecolor Decalsoft, Daco Decalsetting, etc. loads of stuff out there doing the same.
Wow that looks way too hard I just soak it in white vinegar and put over a gloss coated surface the vinegar softens it then you coat over the top with Matt varnish once done and white vinegar is basically free for what it costs
Do like that stuff, had to put some thousand sons transfers on rubric marines today, and couldn't have applied those decals over a rounder shoulder pad without it ... maybe do a video showing how good it is to put decals over oddly shaped surfaces too :D
micro sol helps decals over rough surfaces..you dont need it here you have a smooth surface... micro set sets the decal to the surface,, your doing it backwards..you are setting the decal then softening it? smh
I've never understood what's wrong with a good ol' sticker. Then again, forcing people to buy all sorts of mediums and technical paints is what brings in the money.
Omg!!!! Dont drop your decals in the water like that!!! Get a rag or paper towel,moisten it, and set your decal on top of it...dropping in water like that tends to wipe the adhesive off the decal.
Get your Microsol / Microset Decal solution here: amzn.to/38EAkDC
All The Hobby Supplies I Swear By ➡️bit.ly/Essentialhobby
Go Ad-Free & Support us on Patreon www.patreon.com/spikeybits
🔥 Hobby Table: ultrasonic model cleaner amzn.to/2tJ6adk
Overhead Triple Bright Lamp (I use two) amzn.to/2hvz2PP
Smaller Ultrasonic cleaner amzn.to/2MDpbu0
Dx Racer Chair amzn.to/2DpdNuM
Gunnar Glasses Protect From Harmful Blue Light amzn.to/2ThnqS0
Purple Pad makes any chair better amzn.to/2ADGbJB
Ott Light Portable Light with No Clamps amzn.to/2MB4jja
Print your own Bits with this dope 3d Printer: amzn.to/2KEVMOL
Masters Airbrush Spray Booth With LED Lights: amzn.to/2Vh714U
Gamer Black Dual Fan Spray Booth amzn.to/3qbIqJQ
Heavy-duty paint mixer is fun AF: amzn.to/39hjzN7
Amazon 11x17 Poster Frame 2 Pack for starter box inserts: amzn.to/39lCk1U
Adjustable TV Tray Table is perfect for hobbying: amzn.to/2tVxgkU XL version amzn.to/2U2SKqN
3D Printing
Anycubic photon S 3D printer is magic for minis amzn.to/2LYB1fl
Anycubic Photon is pretty affordable and easy to use: amzn.to/3i8MKqu
New Anycubic Photon Mono amzn.to/3sxmon0
Anycubic Wash & Cure Station amzn.to/3nCBUdD
Egoo Mars (has pretty high marks as well from folks) amzn.to/2U4aMr4
Hobby Supplies
15ml Dropper Bottles amzn.to/2Mmp7Lh
Matte Coat In Any Conditions Testors Lusterless Spray amzn.to/2MDumGA
Plastic putty for gap filling amzn.to/2XISqw1
Tamiya Extra-Thin Cement Quick-Setting: amzn.to/2XISqw1
Testors Liquid Cement For Plastics: amzn.to/2KZq2Cr
Hobby Miniature Holder- bit.ly/Gameenvy
Cheesecloth for making Camo cloaks amzn.to/2XE46QL
Testors Easy Lift Off Stripper (ELO) amzn.to/2W2NKRA
Metallic Sharpie Markers For Painting amzn.to/2T8Mc6S
Wet Pallet (small) bit.ly/Gameenvy
Wet Pallet Army Painter bit.ly/Armypainterwet
Vallejo Chipping Medium amzn.to/2FKCpyX
Shapers Brushes for filling gaps with putties amzn.to/2lzzbHt
Mr. Polisher for trimming mold lines amzn.to/2KuBmpC
Refilling Paint Water Pot: bit.ly/Gameenvy
Green Stuff: amzn.to/2OmOqOz
Bomb Wicks & Igniter paintbrushes for miniatures bit.ly/MoumentHobbies
Tentacle & Tube Maker: bit.ly/tentaclemaker
Hand Sized Pin Vice amzn.to/2OtCniO
Drill Bits For Magnets amzn.to/2OtC47E
High-Quality Sable Paint Brushes: bit.ly/Gameenvy
Sculpting tools Set: amzn.to/38GTjh6
Hand Sized Pin Vice amzn.to/2OtCniO
Drill Bits For Magnets amzn.to/2OtC47E
Microsol / Microset Decal solution amzn.to/38EAkDC
High-Quality Sable Paint Brushes: bit.ly/Gameenvy
Dead Flat Testors Lusterless Replacement amzn.to/3oIn6eO
Dremel Rotary Tool Set amzn.to/2MYlz6d
Liquitex Resin Sand: amzn.to/3v2yQLk
2 Step Paint Brush Cleaner:
Winsor Newton Cleaner removes dried paint amzn.to/2BvX5sh
Jentastic Brush Goop Conditioner after each use: bit.ly/MoumentHobbies
Airbrushes & Accessories:
H&S Evolution Airbrush (Aluminium) amzn.to/2yBB5ZO
H&S Evolution Airbrush (Chrome finish) amzn.to/3aui52M
H&S Colani Airbrush amzn.to/2ztGXJ4
Badger Patriot 105 amzn.to/2H2TOmo
Iwata Eclipse Airbrush amzn.to/2WI1GB0
GSI Creos PS770 amzn.to/2rSzvVg
Sparmax Compressor amzn.to/2CN3srb
Tooty No-Name Compressor amzn.to/2QS3SFj
Aspire Compressor amzn.to/2RJvWcD
Vallejo Airbrush Flow Improver amzn.to/2Sh8Xbk
Vallejo Airbrush Thinner amzn.to/2GVz956
Grex Airbrush Cleaner amzn.to/2U3wqtL
Figure Storage:
Collapsible Tournament Push Cart amzn.to/2GZYdJa
Clear Case For Miniatures 15"x 17", 6" Tall amzn.to/2Yo2kEn
Project Cart With 6 Cases for Miniatures 12"x12" 2"-1/2" amzn.to/2Wq42Ua
Steel Sheet (For Clear Cases) amzn.to/2H4L1S5
3M Double Sided Mounted Table (For Steel Sheets) amzn.to/2JlrZZp
10 Adhesive Magnetic Sheets 8.5" x 11" 20 mil Magnet Peel & Stick amzn.to/2LnDLF1
Sterlite Bins x12 amzn.to/2lzsdCj
Large Acid-Free Cases Perfect for miniatures like Magnus, Mortarion, Beetle Lady & more. amzn.to/2TR9T4X
These are affiliate links, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
I use a dry Q-tip to roll across the decal to push air bubbles out. And I use Micro Sol on a Q-tip to push the decal down into the contours of the model, like if its going over some armour plating segments. Awesome video Rob thanks!!
But how do you get it so it looks like it's painted on, all those decals look super shiny and ... not part of the model
What is the point of Micro Sol and softening in this case as the decal is going over a surface that is perfectly smooth? Softening is used to make the decal sink over texture such as rivets, grooves, curves etc. to give the illusion that the decal was painted on. This example does not require it.
Pro tip: hit any panel (or the whole miniature, actually) you’re putting transfers on with gloss varnish FIRST. Then follow the micro set micro sol process. Don’t be afraid to gently apply micro sol several times. Just don’t touch the decal, as it will be softened. The micro sol helps the decal flow over round surfaces and also softens the edge to remove the ridge. Then follow with another gloss varnish, followed by a final matte varnish. The first coat of gloss helps in maneuvering the decal and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, it makes the surrounding panel have the same sheen as the decal.
yeah, that clear boarder around decals makes me avoid doing them at all.
Steven Carriere yep, the microsol with an under and over coat of gloss should eliminate it.
also, put a drop of water on the spot to keep the decal movable.
When you say put the gloss varnish first, do you mean brush a coat on, let it dry, then micro set over top of it? Then follow this tut and at the end a thin coat of gloss varnish and matte varnish to get rid of the shiny border?
@@TheEgoraptor yes, one coat of gloss varnish, let dry, one coat of micro-set (or Vallejo Decal Fix), let dry a bit, apply decal, dry off decal (remove excess water with cottonswab or piece of paper towel), apply Micro-Sol (or Vallejo Decal Medium, also called Decal Softener), let sit for a couple of minutes, then gently brush from the center to the edges and press down the decal to have it completely smooth and flat on the surface. Then let dry and finish with a layer of matte varnish. that's how I do it, and it works for me since I started model building 30 years ago.
Another product is Revell Decal Softener. this works without a fixing medium and is applied right before the decal is placed. the rest is as described above.
One more thing: if you place decals on curved surfaces, it is highly important to use Micro-Sol, or any of the decal softener products, because the decal otherwise forms bubbles or wrinkles at the edges. looks bad and cannot be fixed when everything is dried without damaging the decal.
Have you ever created your own decal sheets? I can't find Dark Angels decals for a reasonable price
is there a semi-gloss and lusterless varnish that you can use with a paint brush and not a spray can? I have so many finished models that have zero decals and I really want to use this technique but I do not want to spray my entire finished models as I don't want their colors to start changing. Any suggestions?
vallejo satin varnish. but the glossyness of the varnish can be neglected, if you choose to matte the minis in the end with matte varnish. so, paint your model, put gloss varnish on the spots, you wish to put decals on, use micro sol, place decal, use micro set, oseal with matte varnish, done.
alternatives to Vallejo: Army painter Anti-Shine varnish, or stuff from Reaper, P3, Secret Weapon, AK Interactive, Warcolours, Minitaire, etc. doesn't matter. as long you get something decent, it's fine.
there's also an alternative to Micro-sol/-set: Vallejo Decal Fix and Decal Medium (a.k.a. Softener), Revell Decal Soft, Mr. Hobby Mr. Mark Softener, Tamiya Decal Adhesive, Lifecolor Decalsoft, Daco Decalsetting, etc. loads of stuff out there doing the same.
ooooooo...stunning paint job tooooo.....oh arrrr!
Thanks for this video!
Wow that looks way too hard I just soak it in white vinegar and put over a gloss coated surface the vinegar softens it then you coat over the top with Matt varnish once done and white vinegar is basically free for what it costs
Im gonna try that
Do like that stuff, had to put some thousand sons transfers on rubric marines today, and couldn't have applied those decals over a rounder shoulder pad without it ... maybe do a video showing how good it is to put decals over oddly shaped surfaces too :D
Thanks for sharing.
Nice, cause I do suck at decals
You look like that one mathematician on Numberphile
sounds good and loooks good to and darn fist and last see waht you post new
micro sol helps decals over rough surfaces..you dont need it here you have a smooth surface... micro set sets the decal to the surface,, your doing it backwards..you are setting the decal then softening it? smh
a wee bitty blue tac is good as a third hand,the micro clear is good stuff too....goodly nice episode spikey lad...
I've never understood what's wrong with a good ol' sticker. Then again, forcing people to buy all sorts of mediums and technical paints is what brings in the money.
sticker looks like a sticker, bruh. they're also way thicker and you can't melt them the way you can melt waterslide decals.
What if my decals are literally decentrading when I put them in water.
Omg!!!! Dont drop your decals in the water like that!!! Get a rag or paper towel,moisten it, and set your decal on top of it...dropping in water like that tends to wipe the adhesive off the decal.
uh, I've never heard or seen anyone doing that. virtually everyone I've seen doing decals just dunks them in water.
30$ for a decal sheet? I'll pass. I thought bandai was bad for charging ~10