Like many modelers I buy and use Microscale decals. And, like many modelers, I often find that they disintegrate when I get to using them. There should be a "use by" freshness date on each printed sheet so you can tell how old they really are (or at least have a clue). I make my own color and B/W decals with clear decal paper I order online. As part of the process, after printing them I clear coat them with glossy Krylon spray and let dry for a day before using them. I have never-in over 10 years of doing this- had one of my own decals fall apart between the soaking and the applying. I'm preparing to use one of my "old" M8croscale decal sheets but I'm going to try the clear coating with Krylon and see if that helps.
Cedarwoodron
I've had issues with decal sheets from kits I bought new in the box, but they were kits that had been in existence for years so they were probably old stock.
When I get a decal sheet like that, I scan it into my computer so I can duplicate the images on my own paper.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I've run into the old decal problem. Sometimes I get lucky, and I can piece things back together, most times, not so much.
I'll have to check out the make your own process, as I do have some custom things I'd like to do, not enough to warrent having somebody do it for me.
Mike.
My You Tube
Has anyone tried Microscale's Liquid Decal Film? It is a clear liquid you apply to the decal you want to use before you cut it out. Personally, I allow it to dry for at least a day before beginning decal application. I either use a brush or, a piece of makeup sponge to apply it to the decals. I have a lot of decals from companies like Champ, Islington Station, Walthers, Herald King, etc that are at the least ten years old and are not easily replaced, and to date none have been lost to disintegration, when coated with this solution.
i have had luck some times by giving old sheets a thin coating of matt airbrush medium , then use next day.
I have not tried this, but would Future work? Or whatever it is called now?
I have used the Microsoft product using Cody G's method of pouring a bit on the face of the sheet, tilting it so every bit is covered, and drain the excess off of one of the corners and back into the bottle.
Some Herald King sheets have been a problem for me. It seems to depend on how the decals were stored, so I'm now wary of swap meet items.
NHTX Has anyone tried Microscale's Liquid Decal Film?
.
Liquid decal film is the greatest thing ever. It works exactly like Microscale says it does.
I used it to save a 40+ year old set of original V&O decals.
-Kevin
Living the dream.