Do you need Decal Solutions, and which ones - Micro Set, Micro Sol, Pledge or DIY?

[@MannsModelMoments]

What's your experience with decal solutions? Let me know!

[@garypic4083]

Stuff works great I just did this for the 1st time came out so happy with the results

[@sonicwingnut]

I haven't tried a bunch of stuff but got micro set/sol and they made a huge difference, especially micro sol. Had a decal last night just would NOT fully fit the rounded surface it was applied to but micro sol just sorted it right out. Also while previously I used matt varnish to remove any silvering, someone suggested lahmian medium which is basically a transparent citadel paint and that worked beautifully, especially on smaller surfaces.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Oh it's not like they aren't good, they're just easy to make yourself!

[@theblytonian3906]

I'd rather have them than not. In conjunction with collaborative airbrushing techniques, they do their bit to make the decals look much more like they are painted on. Particularly so with textured armoured vehicle surfaces or over Zimmerit. Microscale Set & Sol, Tamiya Markfit Strong and GCI Creos Mr. Setter & Softer are my preferred go-to.

[@kitbag9033]

I've been using X20A neat for several years on decals applied on gloss varnished surfaces. Seems a bit scary at first but it works well for me

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

Great video and bravo for going to the sciences with your teaching and showing which solution(s) work best AND why. I'm so glad you used the terms hydrophilic and hydrophobic along with capillary action (as you've used these in prior videos). I recently completed nursing school which requires multiple chemistry classes and my brain really listens for the why in explanations. Love it! Thank you!

[@MannsModelMoments]

Thanks for the support, and congratulations on your success!

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

@@MannsModelMoments thank you!

[@liamgray9805]

Interesting video - I’ve used Micro Sol and Set, i then switched to Mark Softener and Setter, find these much better.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Thanks - I've not used these, as I've found Pledge with Future achieves a great result by itself.

[@SteveT-0]

Just got around to seeing this, I've had VERY mixed results with decal solutions. I first bought humbrol decalfix and it seemed to be okay but then it really ruined one of my models. So I then bought some Revell Decal Soft and I find that is far better, had no problems with it at all. I've not tried microset/sol because it's hard to get here and very expensive. Did you ever find a good Pledge substitute? Great video!

[@LordVineet]

Thanks for these tips. I was wondering - will it be of any use if I dip the decal in white vinegar and apply a coat pledge on it after placing the decal? Or should i apply pledge on the model first and then place the decal? And to be clear, we are talking about Pledge multi surface floor polish right? Fyi: I'm fairly new to model building.

[@Virchov]

Hi! just a question: Do you let the solutions dry before adding the next solution? or... should I apply micro set, then dry, then decal, then microsol, then dry, then wash?

[@MannsModelMoments]

It depends on the decal and the location. Sometimes a setting solution is all that's needed. If not, then applying the microsol when the decal is almost dry means the decal will soften and be pulled into the recesses. After applying decals, you should seal them with a varnish (when completely dry, of course) before doing washes, weathering etc.

[@Redsnaper]

Having coming back to modeling after a long while and now looking to apply new learnt skills, I am watching your tutorials with great interest and learning lots. A year on now have you managed to find a Pledge substitute as I am unable to find it in the UK, if not what would be the best ready made decal adhesive?

[@richardrae5254]

Did you find any alternatives to Pledge.I can find various types of Pledge on Amazon but am unsure what to buy.

[@MannsModelMoments]

I am working on that as we speak - video to come shortly!

[@richardrae5254]

@@MannsModelMoments OK.look forward to it

[@nigelr07]

​@@MannsModelMoments Did you release a video on this topic ? I do have a pledge but not sure it's the right one, would be good to hear of you do have suitable alternatives. Great vlogs by the way. Thanks

[@arthurmee]

I don't think the Pledge that you refer to is available in the UK now. I use AK Gauzy shine enhancer. The seasoned modellers on KZbin bought theirs when it was available in the UK and it goes a long way, hence they still have some. It was also called Klear or Future. I've found the Gazy product very good.

[@simonleib1992]

I've never used decal solutions. Am old school clean surface place decals in warm water. Apply to model dab allow to dry. Then add gloss. Yes it is probably heretical. Burn him! But that then as a kid I didn't even have the gloss to seal the decals.

[@1972Ray]

I've been doing the same for 50 years. But just like the washes I started using, I think the decal set will help me improve. I'm doing the Itelari Bugatti, and the dash has a complex turned metal decal and I'll try this so I don't ruin it. Either way, no one with a Bugatti will ever see it.

[@arvidpersson187]

Lovely video! You mentioned that the pledge you used had been discontinued and I've been searching around for some but no luck. Have you managed to find a replacement, or something that has approximately the same properties/behaviour? Sorry if my English is a bit lacking, not a native speaker.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Your English is excellent, don't worry! I've actually been testing a few things and have a promising candidate - more in an upcoming video...

[@ste022]

​@@MannsModelMoments In the UK it's been replaced with "Pledge Tile and Stone Wax Floor Polish", it has a milky colour and a perfume scent but otherwise works the same. I use it to dip canopies and brush it on about 30mins prior to applying decals and never had an issue.​ I've tried Deluxe materials "Looks like glass" and Humbrol "Clear" both of which are marketed as replacements but I found both to be too thick for dipping and would leave faint run marks and had a tendency to fill detail.

[@MannsModelMoments]

Interesting - I'll check it out. When I was looking J&J didn't seem to have any other products that contained some of the differentiating chemicals, but it might contain similar. I'm also looking for something that is widely available, not just in the UK or Europe.

[@ThomasSielaff]

Not sure if I'm hearing you correctly, but are you saying pledge? And if so, what is it? Thank you

[@MannsModelMoments]

Answered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnezp52cepaNia8

[@willoconnell1610]

I've just ordered my first kit for 40 years. So effectively new to scale modelling. Can you let me know the exact pledge product? PS, very pleased to come across Manns's Model Moments..

[@MannsModelMoments]

The exact product is Pledge Floor Gloss. - it's now discontinued but you may be able to find it in stores and on-line finescale.com/how-to/tips/2018/05/reader-tips-pledge-future-gloss-has-a-new-name

[@Floricaionut]

Any tips/shops on where I can find some available in the UK? I can't find any:( Any other replacement for future after the pledge one has been discontinued?

[@MannsModelMoments]

Working on that atm! Video out when I do

[@kenjohnston8173]

I use 'sol' softner by itself, but u cant fool w decal once put in place

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yeah - effectively Micro-Sol works by weakening/destroying some of the structural composition of the decal itself, which isn't conducive to manipulation! I only ever use it or similar of extreme examples of irregular surfaces when all else has failed...I think once in the last year?

[@emtp2001]

Will Future work the same as Pledge?

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yes, Pledge is what Future became, and before that it was originally called Johnson's Klear.

[@mikoleeman6991]

I have a question, what's pledge?

[@MannsModelMoments]

Answered here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnezp52cepaNia8

[@mikoleeman6991]

@@MannsModelMoments Ahhhh, I see, to me Pledge is a furniture polish in an aerosol can, so this is like Future Kleer?

[@MannsModelMoments]

@@mikoleeman6991 Yes, it's the last iteration of Klear before it was discontinued in late 2022

[@mikoleeman6991]

@@MannsModelMoments Thanks for the clarification, I still have half a bottle of Kleer, but good to know it still exists

[@spik465]

Decal solution alternative??

[@MannsModelMoments]

Yes...? I mean what's the actual question?? lol

[@spik465]

@@MannsModelMoments oh sorry for that I want to ask that can I use any other solution instead of decal solution

[@MannsModelMoments]

@@spik465 I mean that's kinda explained in the video....

[@spik465]

@@MannsModelMoments okeii

[@MrGlenndini]

WTF is pledge?

[@unclebobsbees4899]

Pledgs acrylic floor wax for linoleum floors. See link below.

[@SquillagusNiggle]

Deckle... deckle... deckle....

[@MannsModelMoments]

Your point?

[@garypic4083]

Oh by the way it ( De-cal) not Dek kul

[@MannsModelMoments]

No, either pronunciation is valid

[@armoredsaint6639]

Does a woman really need make up? No, but yes.

[@petecallamaras6887]

Sorry - calling it "deck-ohol" instead of deec-al" is too jarring to warrant watching the video.

[@MannsModelMoments]

How peculiar that you can't accept a perfectly valid pronunciation to that point - the world must be very hard for you