I've used Micro Sol for years, and it's worked without fail until recently. I installed some of the decals that came in the Cornerstone Grain Elevator kit. Even after repeated applications, the decals won't settle into the details of the model. Can it be too old to work?
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
I don't use Microsol, but my Microset and Solvaset, many years old, still work as they always have.
As long as the bottle is tightly closed when not in use, it should last forever, I'd think.
Wayne
It does indeed get old... But mine wil start to evaporate at that point.
Are the decals old as well?
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
I discovered a while ago that the lids were breaking down on both of my Microset bottles. The top of the lid was breaking off. Maybe I was over tightening them but I don't think so. The lid material was quite brittle.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Hi HOn30Critter
Ironically I was wondering about this a few days ago. I've been using the same bottles of Microset and Microsol since 2012 and have had no issues....yet. Following applications, each bottle is capped tightly. Just before writing this, I uncapped each bottle and sniffed. Smell from each one can still can make my head spin, even after 7 years, so I guess they're still good, LOL
However, after reading this thread I'm now considering playing it safe and may purchase two fresh bottles; especially since I'm now metalizing passenger equipment for friends (I'll post photos when I finish my current projects).
Respectful Word of Caution: For those of you metalzing, please DO NOT use Solvaset directly over Alclad, Alsa, Spaz Stix or any other metalizer as it may mar the appearance or damage the finish. You may use it over the clearcoat once it has hardened thoroughly. I still suggest using Mircrosol.
hon30critter I discovered a while ago that the lids were breaking down on both of my Microset bottles. The top of the lid was breaking off. Maybe I was over tightening them but I don't think so. The lid material was quite brittle. Dave
"I like my Pullman Standards & Budds in Stainless Steel flavors, thank you!"
hon30critterI discovered a while ago that the lids were breaking down on both of my Microset bottles. The top of the lid was breaking off. Maybe I was over tightening them but I don't think so. The lid material was quite brittle.
chutton01 hon30critter I discovered a while ago that the lids were breaking down on both of my Microset bottles. The top of the lid was breaking off. Maybe I was over tightening them but I don't think so. The lid material was quite brittle. I experienced that as well with two bottles of MicroSol & Microset. I thought perhaps it was UV radation aging and damaging the cap material enough that they started to crumble (due to space constraints these bottles as well as other are near a window and get some sun exposure during the daytime) - were your bottles exposed to daylight over months/years?
hon30critter I discovered a while ago that the lids were breaking down on both of my Microset bottles. The top of the lid was breaking off. Maybe I was over tightening them but I don't think so. The lid material was quite brittle.
I experienced that as well with two bottles of MicroSol & Microset. I thought perhaps it was UV radation aging and damaging the cap material enough that they started to crumble (due to space constraints these bottles as well as other are near a window and get some sun exposure during the daytime) - were your bottles exposed to daylight over months/years?
While mine also did just this, they were not exposed to sunlight.
I just figured they were degraded from the chemicals "off-gassing" and evaporated because of that.
ricktrains4824 It does indeed get old... But mine wil start to evaporate at that point. Are the decals old as well?
They were in the kit, but with that being said, there's no telling how old the kit is.I ordered it from Walthers directly. I ordered a new bottle, just to be safe. The completion of the kit will be on hold until then.
chutton01were your bottles exposed to daylight over months/years?
Hi chutton01,
Nope. They sat on the back of my workbench for a while. It never gets any sun. After that they were in a drawer in a plastic storage unit.