I have to fninish a tank very fast so I would need an answer very quickly (please ). I'm about to put the decals on, and because the paint is already glossy, I don't think another gloss coat is necesary before the decals. But, because I'm going to use the Micro Sol/Set products I'm worried that they will damage the paint.

So will they?

The reason for putting the gloss coat on, is to give you a glossy surface so the decals will settle down on a smooth surface.
Since you already have a smooth glossy surface, you don't need to add another one.

if the surface is already glossy i would'nt have thought that you will need any sol or set, also is your paint acrylic or enamel? i only use enamels and have never had any problems with decal solutions. if you have time you could paint a peice of scrap plastic with the same as on your tank, then if there are decals that are spareon your sheet, test one out to see how it goes.
hope this helps, phil

I'm the opposite of Phil as I use only acrylics. I've never had a problem with MicroSol damaging the paint, so I guess you're okay either way. And I thought the purpose of using MicroSol was to help soften the decal so that it would form itself better to the surface. I didn't think it took the place of having a glossy surface to place the decal on. But I'm still a newbie so what do I know.

As a safe rule of thumb,if you can spare 24 hours between painting and decalling,that should give your paint time to cure.Then I think there should be no problem with decal setting solutions. (++) (++)

Hi,

I've used Micro Set + Sol for decades. No problems with paint, but--rarely--they have messed with the decals. Try a test on a unneeded decasls--like with any decal.

If you are confident that the base coat is good enough to keep the decals in place that i wouldnt worry about adding another layer of gloss. I've never used the micro sol set but i use the humbrol satin gloss and it works like a charm on Tamiya acrylic paints.

On a side note, back in the days when i knew little about glossing decals on the models, i used to simply paste my decals directly on matt acrylic paint. Its been 2 - 3 years since i did that and the decals are still firmly stuck on.

Thanks for the answers, guys.