Okay! So I need a bottle of MicroSol and a bottle of MicroSet? Thank God for this forum. I like to get all my ducks in a row... Before I shoot them. MicroSol goes on the already finished metal, then the decal goes on and then MicroSet goes on. Correct?

It doesn't look like it in the posted pics but does this coating leave a visible layer that is obvious?

Johnny

Sorry, I had it backwards. Microset first (blue), then decal, then Microsol (red). You may not need the Microsol; it's most useful for getting the decal to snuggle down over protrusions, but your dial looks like it will be a smooth surface once you've cleaned it up. If you do get any air bubbles under the decal despite using Microset, you can pop them with a needle after the decal is dry and then flood the area with Microsol.


No, no visible coating other than the decal film, which you'd get even without the decal setting solutions. You'll probably want to clear-coat the dial after applying the decal to help hide the decal film.

Best regards,
-Steve

I didn't top coat my Zenith decals with anything. You can't tell they're a replacement...at least I can't and I think I have a pretty critical eye.

Keep in mind you have compound curves on that surface to make the decal conform to. Better to use too much instead too little fluid.

Thanks Art! I'm gonna keep this in mind. You've done it and it looks great.

Johnny

Well I'm ready to remove the old finish from the shutters. What method did you use to remove the old finish? Standard stripper?

Johnny

I'm using microset and microsol for the first time to apply Radio Daze white numbers on a rechromed Zenith H725 dial bezel. Experimenting on other stuff first. I can't see that Misrosol does anything. Is it supposed to completely dissolve the clear decal film, leaving only the letter itself? Should I clearcoat the ring before applying to seal out corrosion and after applying to protect the decals?

No, it doesn't completely dissolve the clear decal film. Microset (blue) just helps eliminate air bubbles under the decal film; it's basically a wetting agent. (Maybe Kodak Photoflow would work about the same?). Microsol softens the decal film, which can help in three situations: 1) applying a decal over a sharp protrusion (such as an HO scale rivet), 2) getting an air bubble out of the decal (pop the bubble with a needle and then apply Microsol to get the decal to snuggle down), and 3) getting a decal to conform to a compound curve (the Microsol helps the decal film stretch a little).

I don't see any need to clearcoat before decaling. Applying a clearcoat afterwards seems like a good idea to me; not only will it protect the decal, it will also help hide the decal film.