Used to much decal softner

[Indolem]

Lot's of great input guys, thanks!
Had mixed results applying rest of the decals.
Most of the time not the best to be honest...
Although it looked ok after initial application, bubbles have formed.
Probably due to a combination of water still underneath and the matt varnish.

Also noticed the decal reported about above is not in the proper position after all :loudly-crying:
The instruction sheet was wrong about this.
Next lesson learned thereby: check even more reference photos.

I'm planning to share a small "lessons learned" list once I completed this first build.

[Mark1]

Like.most aspects of modelling it's about practice and finding a method and materials that suit you.

[Del640]

Joining the party late here....I use VMS decal softener.
I varnish (gloss) the area, apply the decal soft followed by the decal, squeeze out excess softer with a damp bud rolling it over the decal and wipe away the excess with a damp brush.

There's a very good video from VMS on YT showing you the process.

Simple and effective.

Good luck.

Del

[stona]

I just read through this thread and didn't see anyone stating perhaps the most obvious, though Barry touched on it.

If decals have a bad reaction to a softener LEAVE THEM ALONE.

Any attempt to improve the situation until they have completely dried will ALWAYS make it worse. Leave them for as long as you can, at least overnight.

After that you may be surprised how they have settled down. If you are still not happy you'll have to think about removing them (nightmare), or other remedial work, but that's a separate issue. You'll have more options for having left them to dry.

[Indolem]

I just read through this thread and didn't see anyone stating perhaps the most obvious, though Barry touched on it.

If decals have a bad reaction to a softener LEAVE THEM ALONE.

Any attempt to improve the situation until they have completely dried will ALWAYS make it worse. Leave them for as long as you can, at least overnight.

After that you may be surprised how they have settled down. If you are still not happy you'll have to think about removing them (nightmare), or other remedial work, but that's a separate issue. You'll have more options for having left them to dry.

Even after several days of drying it is still sticky. Yesterday evening I went over de bubbled up and sticky areas with some paint. That already helped a lot.
There's run off of the solution on my model and that I'll probably get rid of also by painting.
Luckily it's on the underside so I'll leave it.

Some parts of the large decals (strips on the wing) seemed ok but after drying has very small bubbles in them as well.

The MIG softener seems to be pretty strong because on the last decals I applied only little bit and still those have become sticky.
Anyways, a good couple quotes of varnish should make everything uniform again.
Not giving up on the softener just yet since it might by primarily the varnish causing troubles.
Will keep you guys up to date on that.

[Ian M]

A very good point Steve. One I sort of touched on.
Another good tip is keep an eye on the decal in the water. NEVER let them float off the backing. The Glue will also be gone. Wet them so the backing paper is wet then remove from the water. As soon as the decal loses its grip and can be slid on the paper, its ready. Apply and leave it. (a cotton bud or brush to nudge it around and remove excess water).
IF the decal has not dried down into the surface detail give it some softener. (You might want to consider diluting it with water if it works to harsh). Then LEAVE IT to dry and hopefully suck down into the detail.
Bubbles under a dried decal? Prick with a needle and give it a little softener and carefully press it down with a brush. Do not 'paint' the surface, gentle dabbing over the bubbles to remove air and introduce softener. Less is more! Just like super glue, adding more is not going to solve the problem, just make it worse. The less you can use the better. Put it on and leave it.

[stona]

Even after several days of drying it is still sticky.

It's always difficult to comment without seeing the 'damage', but that sounds like it may have been some reaction with the paints or varnishes. It is odd that everything has not dried after days.

I don't know what's in your MIG softener, but some quite 'hot' solvents can make DIY softeners. I've used everything from an acetone based nail polish remover to cellulose thinners (which probably contains acetone among other solvents). You've got to be VERY careful, you certainly don't splosh them on like commercial softeners*, but I've even had some success with Tamiya stickers, the ones that masquerade as decals. It goes without saying that such things can also affect paints and varnishes.

*Start with a barely moist cotton bud. Initially start with nothing much more than fumes, you can always add more and be more aggressive if nothing happens, but if you destroy the decal or your paintwork by being over eager there is no going back. If anyone fancies a go I strongly suggest a few trial runs on some old model or with a selection of spare decals before committing to your latest pride and joy. Some of the better decals, the ones with very thin carrier films, probably won't react well to such aggressive treatments!