Solvaset from the past!

[farrellaa]

I hope I didn't mislead anyone with my post; I also have the new Solvaset (like in the past 5 years or so) and use it regularly on most all decals. Sometimes it takes two applications to get the results I want. I was just surprised that it hadn't evaporated over the past 50+ years, maybe the brown/amber glass bottle has kept it still active as well.  When I do test it, I will do it on a 'spare' decal that I don't have concerns over losing it.

Glad to see some of you still remember it from the 'good old days' and also glad that it is still available today. Great product then and now.

   -Bob

[dknelson]

farrellaa

 

From the past indeed!  That bottle dates from when you would use "Solvaset" to make the decal snuggle down, and then a product which really has disappeared, DDV, as a flat varnish finish to make the decal film disappear (which it rarely totally did because films were so thick back then).  I assume the reference on the bottle to dull varnish is to DDV, which was very yellow/brown-ish as I recall.  Solvaset, DDV, and Goo were all products of "Hobsco" or "Walthers Specialties."  And the address on the bottle, 4749 N Diversey Blvd (then and now a totally residential address), was I believe Bill Walthers' own home address, so it was not the same address as the Wm K. Walthers firm itself.  He could hear and very likely see the C&NW 400 go through Estabrook Park from his backyard.

 

If I remember right, Bill Walthers turned over MOST of the business to his son Bruce but kept the decal business himself and very likely produced the decals out of his Diversey Blvd home. 

 

I have seen internet forums mention that the current Solvaset is a different and weaker formula than the "old" stuff so I'd join those who advise exercising caution before using the remaining product on a modern day decal.  Indeed even the new formula Solvaset tended to dissolve some ACI label decals I was applyhing recently. 

 

A slight change of topic but if you have noticed the sidebar ads that Walthers has been running about a Big Bargain Depot -- there are indeed some remarkable bargains going on particularly for passenger cars, not only some of Walthers' own but also the Fox Valley 1935 Hiawatha cars.  Check it out.

 

Dave Nelson 

[doctorwayne]

mbinsewi

Yep, I use it.  My bottle is clear glass,  maybe try it on a decal that's not used.  If it doesn't destroy the decal, and dissolve it, it should be good.  The product is still out there.

Mike.

 

Yeah, I still use it, too.  On thin decals or when using small pieces, such as individual letters or numerals, I apply a bit of Microset first, then, after it's dried, apply Solvaset, repeating as many times as is necessary. 

I'm currently finishing up a tank car which required 168 individual pieces of decals - the Microset allows some re-positioning, as most small pieces can move as soon as they're re-wetted.  Once everything is jockeyed back into place and it dries, I give the area another application of Microset, then let it dry overnight.  That area then gets a light application of Solvaset and is left to dry.  After that, any areas needing it are slit as necessary, followed by additional applications of Solvaset.

Solvaset also works on dry transfers, useful on irregular surfaces. I apply it after I've burnished them as much as possible, and it's especially effective where the lettering passes over depressions in otherwise flat surfaces.

 

Wayne

[AntonioFP45]

Although it's likely that your bottle of Solvaset has likely "lost some of its punch" over the years, something to keep in mind.......

Solvaset was first produced in a time period when decals were generally thicker (Champ and Herald King come to mind).

A good number of the "higher-end" decals today (Microscale) are much thinner and more delicate, so modelers have to be careful as Solvaset can potentially damage them. You can perform a slew of jobs with Solvaset and not encounter problems........ then you get that one decal sheet that you purchased as "new old stock" that might be a tad fragile, and wind up with a mess (been there, done that).

One tip that has been suggested before is to dilute Solvaset 3% to 5% with distilled water in the case of very delicate work.

[Soo Line fan]

Still sold today

[cedarwoodron]

My clear glass Solvaset bottle dates from 1987, is still 60% full and is usable. I use it with a very small artist brush on a surface applied sparingly and then place the decal. I avoid flooding the decal after placement, but use minute amounts where the decal covers an irregular feature.

Still works for me!

Cedarwoodron

[7j43k]

I, too, have some of this from the olden days.

 

It could be aggressive.  As in wrinkling up decals.  As it gets older, it might get wimpier.  Or not.

 

From sad experience, I recommend trying it on a piece of reject before laying it on your just completed work. 

 

It is a tool that needs to be used judiciously.

 

 

Ed

[G Paine]

We got a similar bottle at Boothbay Railway Village in a donation last year

[mbinsewi]

Yep, I use it.  My bottle is clear glass,  maybe try it on a decal that's not used.  If it doesn't destroy the decal, and dissolve it, it should be good.  The product is still out there.

Mike.

[farrellaa]

Just found this in one of my 'search excursions' in the train room looking for something else! It still is about 75% full! Don't know if it is still useable but may give it a try just for curiosity's sake? (On a 'spare' decal of course!) I believe it is from about 1956 to 1960 and only cost $ .50. Anyone recognize it? And my wife says I keep stuff too long!

   -Bob