I have been applying decals for over fifty years and have decalled several hundred models in that time. My preferred method has always been one drop of detergent in the water used to soften the decal backing. The decal is then transferred to tissue for a few seconds for excess water to drain. Decal settling solution (always has been Micro-Sol) is then applied to the surface the decal is to be applied to. surface is always gloss painted for better adhesion and to disguise the clear film backing. Decal is slid off the backing and settled in position.
Now the frustration. I am still using the same decal manufacturer, the same paint supplier and the same decal settling solution. My problem is that the decal adheres to the surface immediately with no facility for slippage to slide into position. Precise decal placement is nigh well impossible. I spoke to the decal manufacturer and he advises copious amounts of detergent in the 'soaking' water, plus using the same water on the painted surface (not decal settling solution). In fact the manufacturer does not ever use decal settling solution.
I tried this method, even to the point of rubbing the detergent laden water into the painted surface to try to break surface tension. It is very hit or miss. I may try rubbing straight detergent on the surface. There is simply too much grip from the paint.
Now the frustration. I am still using the same decal manufacturer, the same paint supplier and the same decal settling solution. My problem is that the decal adheres to the surface immediately with no facility for slippage to slide into position. Precise decal placement is nigh well impossible. I spoke to the decal manufacturer and he advises copious amounts of detergent in the 'soaking' water, plus using the same water on the painted surface (not decal settling solution). In fact the manufacturer does not ever use decal settling solution.
I tried this method, even to the point of rubbing the detergent laden water into the painted surface to try to break surface tension. It is very hit or miss. I may try rubbing straight detergent on the surface. There is simply too much grip from the paint.