Scale Model Tips - Testing 10 Different Waterslide Decal Solutions - Is There A Clear Winner ??

[@HNXMedia]

Okay...this is the ONLY decal setter video you ever need to watch. Perfection!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you my friend

[@Soupcan13]

Bro! These companies should be paying you. That was an extremely well put together and thought out professional break down of the various options. Fantastic work

[@gunplabadly]

Holy crap! Over an hour?! ...EDITED!! Wow, thank you so much for taking so much time to set up and run such a great test! You, Sir, are a legend.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks, I wanted to test each one and show them going on the decal and not just say this is Tamiya and this is Testors. I felt I had to show the actual application for a fair test. Thanks for watching. New video over the weekend, see you then 👍

[@gavinmyles9851]

Instablaster...

[@uncut_cowboy]

Your time and financial sacrifice is so appreciated to us modelers. Thank you so much

[@mehusla]

I’m 73, been using Micro Set/Sol successfully for decades. Must give Timaya now. Thanks for great video!

[@bahamut_the_warrior]

Barbatos, I will never stop saying to myself “wow! He makes great videos!” Even though they’re so long of length. They don’t feel too choppy becasue you omit music, special effects, on-screen graphics, etc. which makes the video so much more digestible. I feel that your videos are the best because of this, the over-the-top pop or electronic music in most vids about these do not make understanding the topic easier. Yes, it may work for a model building/painting timelapse, but they don’t work for tool reviews or the higher precision things like paints. They are highly informative and actually make the hobby fun. It makes it easier to explore new techniques and tons of paints!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Wow, thank you my friend for these kind words. When I decided on making these videos I knew I wanted to go without the flash and music. It's all about the paint and tools. Thank you for being a subscriber, you guys are the best

[@bahamut_the_warrior]

@@barbatosrex9473 you are so welcome man!

[@I-Saw-It-Online-Hobbies]

GSI Creos strikes again with an excellent product. Was looking for reviews on decal solutions and when your video popped up I knew it would be the only one I needed to watch. Just ordered a pair of the Mr. Mark solutions.

[@Faxie83]

I've got the Microset and Sol and I'm pretty happy with them, but when they're empty I'm gonna go with the Mr Hobby too.

[@I-Saw-It-Online-Hobbies]

@@Faxie83 I know a bunch of people that use Micro Set and Micro Sol.

[@joelynch1059]

I'm trying modeling again after 40 plus years. Things have come along way since the 70's! You videos have been stellar! I'm still gathering tools and materials to try my new first kit. Thanks very much!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks buddy, welcome back

[@joelynch1059]

@@barbatosrex9473 also, l just scored the $40 airbrush kit you had s video on. 👍

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@joelynch1059 Awesome 👍

[@ScytheNoire]

Thanks for these product reviews. You are the Consumer Reports for scale modelers.

[@NormanSmith-l3k]

From England, that was exactly what I needed to unravel the two step, one step puzzle. As far as I could see one step is probably effective enough Mr. Mark Setter, Tamiya Mark Fit Strong and Vallejo Decalfix. Great video sir, thank you.

[@acfnugget7880]

If you want a comprehensive run down on anything to do with scale modelling, you really are the guy to go to! Appreciate all the hard work! 👍👍

[@jamesgriffiths3176]

Great vid and very useful, thanks! Off to buy some Mr Mark Softer and Setter!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Good choice!

[@danieldufaur]

These videos are absolutely invaluable! Your hard work is very much appreciated. I've been using the decal tray for a couple of years and I love it. Its so handy. I found it was quite light as well so I glued it to a heavier base which makes it a lot more stable.

[@EpicHotCheese]

Just got into gunpla and airbrushing. Your channel is a goldmine. So much information and product demonstrations. Everything is super helpful! Thank you!

[@KaizokuShojo]

I'm essentially brand-new to the world of doing-more-than-out-of-the-box and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your efforts.

[@rays.86]

Awesome video! Finally someone was able to show me and differentiate the different kinds of decal solutions being sold in the market nowadays! Thanks! Now I know which product to purchase! I have been watching all your videos and learning a lot of things from you. Please keep up the good job!

[@JonasBerntsson]

I watch all your videos, they are great! For someone like me, new to airbrushing, having been away from RC and modells for a long time...(and as I have chronic pain, I get my pension...so not too much to spend on hobbies...for me quality of life improvers really) it is so great watching you videos and get a better idea of where to spend what I have to spend. Not to mention how to use the things I do buy. I'd like to thank you, really, I appreciate it a lot!

[@kylelegg9836]

Just wanted to let you know you helped me make an informed choice today on decal set & softener. I am doing an AMT semi trailer (North American Van Lines) and I was looking for 1 of the decal solutions to help apply the decals on it since it has sides that have squared low & high points plus it's an old kit. I also purchased 1 of the decal tools to help place them like the 1 you have. So thank you for making the video it was very helpful, interesting & informative. Thanks & God Bless.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Glad I could help and thanks for watching. God Bless you too my friend

[@Joshua-ny8iq]

I started modeling a few weeks ago and you videos have been so useful and full of vital information in achieving the best outcome possible. Thank you for taking the time to make such thorough demonstrations of products and techniques!

[@Phoenix3391]

Hats off to you sir! You’re doing the lords work. You’ve done my dream tests but with infinitely more patience and skill!! Incredible video.

[@StringKiller]

Thanks a lot for all your content! I got into gunpla a very short time ago and every time I needed to look into what tools and paint to buy given my constraint there was always a video from your channel covering everything a needed to know. This channel is fantastic - absolutely golden. On a side note, I've read that Mr Hobby changed the formula on both Mr Mark Setter and Softer making them really likely to melt acrylics if you are not careful... I'll be sticking to Tamiya for the time being just in case since they look great!

[@amisz0992]

I found a bottle of Tamiya mark fit super strong and it works like a charm

[@PigeonPrint]

love that you put so much time and money into these long-form videos for the community.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks, as long as it's appreciated I'll keep doing them. The little bit I earn here I put back into supplies for more test videos. Thank you for the kind words. Many more videos to come 👍

[@PigeonPrint]

@@barbatosrex9473 If you ever want to do some testing wiith some resin 3D printed models just give me a shout.

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@PigeonPrint Great, what kind of 3D resin are you producing?

[@PigeonPrint]

@@barbatosrex9473 Oh, im just a hobby 3D printer, and have recently been getting into photo cured resins for hi detailed models. trouble is not so much conent out there on compairing paints and primers for them. If you ever feel like exploring that side of the modeling hoby, more then happy to send you some printed parts to play about with.

[@sergiollamas3467]

This video is worth 1 million views.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you my friend

[@tftf60]

I'm really impressed how much work you put in your videos. Realy appreciate your testing videos.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you 👍

[@House_458]

Your channel gets better and better the more I dive into it. The quality of production/editing and the level of detail you go through to try and help as many people as possible is something else. Even as a veteran of the plastic hobby world, I still learn from your videos every time.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you for the kind words. That means the world to me. Thanks for watching, many more to come

[@markparsons4434]

As usual a really good review and test, I have now just gone and bought Mr Mark Setter and Softener. Thanks again from 🇬🇧 look forward to more reviews.

[@PopArow4702]

Didn't even think about decals thank you for such a great tutorial and vid

[@cemdrahsan270]

at the end you are the great teacher..

[@OldGriz406]

Thanks much. New at this stuff and looking to order some decal stuff. This was very helpful, and the length of video was fine. This much testing takes a longer video to see it all, and how it all works.

[@studioloraine]

thank you so much for taking the time to do this and for being so thorough!

[@rogerdorrington]

uble.Invaluable to all model makers. Well done for taking the trouble.

[@tonysworkbench6070]

Walthers Solvaset has been my go-to decal solvent for decades. I am surprised that it was not mentioned in the video. I have tried nearly all of the setting solutions mentioned over the years, but I keep going back to Solvaset as my defacto standard. It was great seeing all of the others against each other. I can see that it was a lot of work and great expense to do it. Thank you for doing this comparison.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I tried to buy the Walthers for 2 weeks and couldn't find it anywhere so I just went ahead with the test.

[@EricHonaker]

Nice test! When I was a kid making models I only used water. Picked up Mr. Mark Setter/Softer when I got back into it.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Great choice, thanks for watching. Check out my follow up video to this one on Walthers Decal Solvent, that stuff is great too

[@Pablogogo]

Thank you for taking the time to create this video, unreal amount of work 👍

[@JoeyBPhotography]

Again, I always seem to find your videos of subject matter just before I start to do them! This was fantastic, thanks for all the tests you perform, it truly helps a lot, especially for people like me who are rather new to this sort of thing.

[@antoniogallego6233]

Thanks for the comparison. Tests are very helpful. Thank you. I have been using Mr. Mark Setter and Softer on my models for a long time and the result is spectacular.

[@davidwheeler254]

Another great one B! I have been using the Microsol/set for years but will look out for the Mr/Tamiya versions from now on.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Tamiya just released a Super Strong version, I'll be testing that one too

[@bigchef2112]

Excellent work. I’ve just used micro scale for years. I have a bottle of mark fit strong I use as well. But seriously, the Mr. mark setter is clearly the best. It will be on my table next week. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks for watching, this one took a while to film. Love the Mr Hobby brand

[@tomhiggins4124]

Hi excellent teaching sir !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, ps I would have watched another hour !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Respect Tom from England 🇬🇧,

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thank you Tom, much appreciated

[@Johnny-tt8zc]

Tip. Tamiya flat clear has been known to eat some decals.it a little too hot. It needs a barrier like testers flat coat first. I usually do (on armor and aircraft) Tamiya-decals-testors-Tamiya. Personally I think Tamiya is superior to testors flat clear. I will try mr. setter,usually use Tamiya mark fit strong. Very informative video. Stay safe 🍻🌲

[@halfarsemodeler]

Excellent review of decal solutions...and I've been a Micro-Sol/Micro-Set user for many years...as well as Micro Kristal Klear for canopy/window gluing/repair. One alternative to the Testors Decal Bonder that I've used successfully is Krylon Crystal Clear acrylic spray...it's a solvent based acrylic and a couple light coats really helps old decals stay solid.

[@ericchristopher1687]

Wow - what a great comparison. Thank you for such a thorough and involved effort - much appreciated.

[@davidhale8125]

Great video i'm glad i bought the Mr. Mark Setter. Your video's are great and i highly recommend them for someone like myself just getting into the hobby.

[@DaneSaysStuff]

I just ordered a fistfull of GSI products thanks to your videos. Seems like the majority of their catalog does exactly what it's supposed to and does it very well. I'm excited to get some hands on experience!

[@barbatosrex9473]

GSI Mr Hobby is a great company. Everything I own by them just works as it should and at great prices. My favorite brand

[@BSGNUT]

My personal favorite decal solution has always been Walther's Solvaset. It is a bit on the powerful side but, it really does settle decals down to looking like paint! Care has to be taken when using it on very old 20 - 30 year old decals though.

[@2005GLI]

Glad this popped up in my videos. Been wanting to try other solutions.

[@craigwest8386]

Another old favorite is Walther's Solvaset. It's strong.

[@doctorpc4x4]

appreciate the time you put into these comparison videos one hell of a lot of work when they are over an hour edited

[@skrimshander]

Very helpful. Bought the Mr. Mark Setter/Softer today.

[@barbatosrex9473]

You won't be disappointed 👍

[@gbresaleking]

I remember trying waterside decals as a kid and man was it a bad time lol so much so that 30 years later I'm using the dry transfer and sticker decals for my gunpla and nervous to try waterslide even though I know they look better in the end. But watching your videos might give me enough confidence to try them out again

[@blacknass1943]

very interssting . :) thank you !! so mutch. 1:10:25 impressiv result for tamijas markseter

[@pauldannenberg391]

Excellent video , I found the Mr Mark Setter to be the best. It is quite comparable with AK 3rd Generation acrylic thinned with rain water, decal then applied and then Microscale Clear Gloss over the top of it. :)

[@RyanEdwardsCrewe]

45:18 - Application On Chrome/Alum 50:40 - Grey Results 57:53 - Chrome/Alum Results 1:01:29 - Clear Coat on Grey 1:10:00 - Clear Coat on Chrome 1:13:03 - Stills

[@markwakeley3835]

Thanks Robert. Yeah, it was a long video but well worth it. Great information. I'll probably go with Tamiya. Slightly cheaper and very easy to get in my area. Later

[@maweitao]

I use a little drink warmer on the lowest setting to keep my water warm. It does a great job to ensure waterslides quickly release over my entire session.

[@bernardc2553]

Totally worth every sec. of your time !

[@kramer26]

Really appreciate you going to the effort to do all this, I've been struggling with the Tamiya Mark Fit (regular) as it has barely touched the eBay decals I have, and did leave staining or attacked the paint of the decal, so I used Tamiya Decal Adhesive (which you didn't test) and found that to be quite a bit better... I guess not all decals are created equal but I'll certainly be picking up some Mr. Mark Setter next time I'm at my LHS (plus a new LiPo for my radio transmitter that just decided to puff up...)

[@dragoonzen]

Awesome test

[@firmpulse]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive video. It's great! I found you a few months ago looking for info on cleaning Gunpla with an Ultrasonic. Big fan of the way you present product.

[@pollia8295]

Extremely helpful, thank yiu

[@barbatosrex9473]

You're welcome buddy 👍

[@raiders7294]

Hi, great video. Thank you for the tips and help. Question: Can I substitute your Tamiya Matte spray with Tamiya XF-86, flat clear acrylic paint for the clear coat? Do they do the same thing or is the spray better?

[@barbatosrex9473]

You can use either. Both will give you the same results.

[@raiders7294]

@@barbatosrex9473 Nice. Thanks again. Appreciate the help.

[@geekdiggy]

i bought the mr. hobby products just because the tamiya brand (which i prefer for paints, supplies, kits, and tools) is impossible to find online. i haven't used it on anything yet but i'm glad to see that in a fair shootout, it was the clear winner. great how that works out. the bottle of mr mark softer has a warning label about the staining. thank you for the in-depth video. every reviewer on youtube should do their videos this way. btw, i took a shot every time you mispronounced tamiya and "aluminum." i am now dead.

[@davearmstrong1932]

Thank You, I've been using stuff that been in the USA for the last 50 years. I seem to be slowly changing over to Tamiya.

[@garypic4083]

What is it you been using for the past 50 years

[@Robmlufc]

Awesome video. Thanks for the time to test and share it! 🙌🏻👍🏻🤘🏻

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Excellent video just the information I needed for my decal project, can’t find the setting tool in Canada , but will keep looking

[@Perfusionist01]

VERY GOOD! I am an old hand at models but I have stayed stuck in my old habits. First I was surprised to see no mention of Walthers' Solvaset. Sold for model railroads and far older than you or most video watchers, but still very good decal softener. In fact it can be so powerful that one must use it carefully. I use MS setter/softener then let the decal dry then attack it with Solvaset to get the decal down over rivets, etc. It's cost is mid-range but usually available through many hobby shops. It reeks of strong acetic acid. Re; Stains- I was taught to wait until the decal \and softener were dry then GENTLY go over the decal with a damp Q-tip, or lint free rag or whatever and GENTLY wash off the remains of the setting solution before coating. I was also taught to use a gloss or gloss coated surface then decal, then gloss AGAIN before applying the dullcoat - properly applied decals disappear! I was very interested in your results with the chrome paint. Some model train passenger cars come with a plated metal finish that is darned hard to get good results with decals. Many years ago the HAWK model company did a series of plated plastic aircraft kits that had the same difficulty - decals just looked HORRIBLE against that finish, I don't know if you have done it but I would suggest a test of finishing coatings. Many aircraft guys swear by a coat of acrylic floor coating (Future) for a gloss finish. I always used Glosscoat and Dullcoat but these have been backordered (at least in my region). I have used Krylon Matte Finish but only changed about a month ago. I get good brush results with Vallejo Matte Varnish (I use that when I apply a small decal or need to re-dull a touch up). I would be interested to see your shoot out. Sorry for the long-winded reply but the decal solution test really is a benefit! Thanks for doing this!

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks for watching buddy. A big clear coat test video is in the works 👍

[@Sirmoshi1]

I have been using the Mr Hobby ones for the last few years and i love them ,I am glad to see this because I was wondering how some of the others worked ,also I used the splash paints White Primer yesterday and let me tell you ,one of the easiest primers I have ever sprayed ,It does look to have a greyish tint to it in the bottle so i was worried but dried totally white ,great product I think you will be happy with the paints when you spray them ,I am going to spray the Mecha White today and I am expecting the same results as the primer !

[@barbatosrex9473]

That's great news, I'm planning a big Splash Auto paint video. I even got their 2K primers

[@Haristoteles]

Great set of testing videos, much appreciated.

[@travisgorman517]

Great test.well worth the watching😊

[@ibidesign]

A great review. You should add the "thank$" button to all your uploaded videos. If you had gloss-coated all test pieces first and used a clean facial tissue to actually press the applied decals into place after using the 'set' solution 1, you'd have much better results over the rivets for each of the brands. The 'silvering' you've experienced around the edges is air bubbles trapped under the decal's clear film over the microscopically rough surface of the nearly-matte Tamiya base-paint. I know you did a subsequent test video on applying decals over matte vs gloss paint. I also gloss-coat over the finished decals to blend the gloss of the decal out with the subject's surface; let dry two days, then hit it all with the final matte clear coat (for military non-specular finishes). One question: did you rinse/clean your application brush between the various solutions to avoid 'cross-contamination' of your test solutions?

[@KikoCCID]

Thanks for the video. Nice to see these comparisons, gj!

[@tcarroll311]

Great job, I'm glad I watched.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I'm glad you watched to 😀

[@robertlundstrom8061]

This is really an outstanding video. Many thanks for your efforts!

[@chrispenn1544]

OMG ! AMAZING MY FRIEND ! what a knowledge thank you for this video you are awesome !

[@casuallycompetitivecwiss9321]

Great video! I'm sitting here panel lining a gundam while watching this. Decals scare me but I like how your process is outlined here. Just wondering if you have any tips for dealing with waterslide decals for RG or just tiny decals in general.

[@barbatosrex9473]

I would just did one piece at a time for 10 seconds then remove from water and let it sit for about a minute till it slides off. With tiny decals apply a decal solution with a very tiny paint brush. Do 1 or 2 to start with and let that sit overnight and check the results. If you like what you see then you're good to go

[@casuallycompetitivecwiss9321]

Thanks man! I started using waterslides successfully because of you. I have a question about after it dries. If there's still residue left from setter/softer is it ok to topcoat that to get rid of it? I'd just be worried about ruining the decal if I try to wipe it off before

[@barbatosrex9473]

@@casuallycompetitivecwiss9321 I've had good luck just going in and clear coating when it's fully dry. I've never cleaned up around it afterwards. Again someone here might have a different opinion but as far as I go you can clear it

[@cadecu]

You are an absolute legend! Thank you!

[@barbatosrex9473]

You're welcome buddy 👍

[@MyArmsAreHeavy]

Been watching your videos for about a month and wanted to thank you for such great and informative info. Searching for products is difficult when you dont know what you're looking for. Also for anyone having a hard time getting the decal positioning tool, its just a clay modeling tool.

[@ada42klm]

Mr. Barbatos Rex, this was an outstanding lecture on decals. My favorite was the Mr. Mark duet. I was thinking if it was possible for you to give a lecture on dry decals. I seem to have a difficult time with them. I was just asking my friend. I sure that the modeling world would agree with me. "I Hope." Kudos and thank you!!!

[@barbatosrex9473]

I will do one on dry transfer for sure

[@soureel]

Great review, thank you. Mr. Mark set on order!

[@tomkazansky9911]

well how is it going? Mr Hobby change the model of mark softer and setter to round bottle and it is pretty bad for me

[@indigenouspassion494]

Great vid & appreciated to your effort on this vid My opinion - 1st we do clear lacquer on model surface, then decals are applied later apply Matt coat - just my opinion that the matt coat can also secure as the decals fixer....

[@mikeellis5347]

Thanks for the video. On the Testors decal set, I have a small bottle of it found in a drawer the other day. The funny thing is that it's blue in color. Wonder if mislabeled. Will be going with the first or last ones.

[@samsquatch6238]

Awesome video! Very helpful and informative. Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into the videos.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks 👍

[@germoua9593]

thank you. i'm having a hard time trying to figure out which one to use. now, i know.

[@jasongrayson269]

Thank you again Tamiya looks good.

[@njcivicwagon1]

Very good video as always. I applaud your efforts in all your videos. I know it’s a ton of work filming and editing all of it. Your an MVP in our modeling community. Thanks for sharing.

[@donwest5387]

I've run-into some old decals which required simmering water, to release. Adding a drop of dish washing detergent makes the decal less "sticky".Thanks for the research!

[@panzer_bob]

Awesome video. I recommend for your next test the decals solution from VMS brand. The product is as good as their varnish.

[@hernanvalenzuela874]

Like always your analysis and test are priceless. Thanks for your time and this very useful videos.

[@garypic4083]

Lol you make good videos learned alot, Listening to it like it your 1st time making video

[@mckerrowsiding]

great test ordered the Mr. and the Vallejo thanks

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks for watching, took awhile to get this filmed. Love the Mr Mark results

[@willey6127]

Excellent Sir! Thank you

[@petite_cherie]

Your video was incredibly helpful! Thank you

[@Sivodsi]

Great work, thank you very much, this needs to go out to all those putting forward vinegar as a "solution". One thing I would have liked to have seen is a 'control' showing what a decal looks like if used straight from the backing paper. I'm guessing it would look pretty much like the vinegar? Without a comparison we might have room to conclude "vinegar is better than nothing"!

[@fortworthron]

That's a good point, Sivodsi. Not sure how he missed that. But the vid was still very informative, and you can tell he was really hustling thru all these solutions. I just watched this vid yesterday, and my order for MicroSol just came in today... Might have to look for some of the Mr Mark, or Tamiya items now... 🙂

[@iankingsley2864]

Another thorough, informative video. Great work, thanks for the detail.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Thanks for watching buddy

[@darren3908]

Thanks man, great work, very helpful.

[@chrisprochaska7406]

LONG Video, but so worth it! It was like taking a class. Thanks, as always, for taking the time to share this! Personally, I'd probably go with the Tamiya Mark Fit Strong, as it seemed, to me, pretty much the same as the Mr. Mark stuff, didn't stain the chrome, AND it was only a single-step process (versus the 2 of the Mr. stuff, though the single stage seemed okay as well). And Tamiya also seems easier to get. But that's me. :) Thanks again!

[@barbatosrex9473]

The Mark Fit is awesome. Should be on every modelers bench for sure.

[@chilarai1]

Excellent video buddy. And I agree with you on the results.

[@barbatosrex9473]

Great minds think alike 👍

[@tcandle695]

Thanks for the comparison. I use Tamiya Strong, but will order the Bundle set of Mr Hobby green and blue after watching your video. I use Tamiya Strong with Tamiya thick decals mainly. Would have been nice to try with famously difficult decals like Academy old decals, not the newer ones made by cartograh. Tamiya thicker ones, Heller kits, etc. But thanks for savings us money by picking the best and the cheap stuff that works fine. You are the scale modeling Consumer Report 😃

[@DJEnCeeSE]

Really helpful thanks a lot for this. I just picked up mr mark so will give it a go, been struggling with Microsol to get a consistent finish