discussion Decal fix on acrylics.

[itzed109]

I am new to modelling, and since I am young, I do not have much money to buy stuff with. So I was wondering if using a small amount of humbrol decal fix on acrylic paints would work, or if using a bit of water to dilute the humbrol decalfix. Or should i just buy microset and microsol?

 

[stillp]

Decalfix is OK, but I've found it can make the decal difficult to slide, so you have to position it right first time. It should be fine to apply it after the decal is placed, or it might be easier if diluted with water as you suggested - I haven't tried that.
Pete

 

[Gary MacKenzie]

I have used decal cote on top of acrylics. I believe it's the older version of decalfix, mine still has the price of 80p per bottle.

 

[Mark1]

I've used decal fix on revell acrylics with no issues but have found the revell paint to be pretty resilient ,couldn't comment on other paint brands as I now gloss varnish before decals go on and now use vallejo acrylics. I use acrylics for washes over varnish and clean up with a mix of water and decal fix as the acrylic washes can dry a bit quick and this helps remove the excess.

 

[itzed109]

Decalfix is OK, but I've found it can make the decal difficult to slide, so you have to position it right first time. It should be fine to apply it after the decal is placed, or it might be easier if diluted with water as you suggested - I haven't tried that.
Pete

so does that mean that the acrylic paint won't come off when using the new decalfix?

 

[itzed109]

I've used decal fix on revell acrylics with no issues but have found the revell paint to be pretty resilient ,couldn't comment on other paint brands as I now gloss varnish before decals go and now use vallejo acrylics. I use acrylics for washes over varnish and clean up with a mix of water and decal fix as the acrylic washes can dry a bit quick and this helps remove the excess.

Do you know what would happen on tamiya acrylics?

 

[Mark1]

I couldn't tell you! I would suggest try a small test area on the model somewhere that wouldn't be seen.

 

[itzed109]

I couldn't tell you! I would suggest try a small test area on the model somewhere that wouldn't be seen.

yep i will do, thanks for your help!

 

[stillp]

so does that mean that the acrylic paint won't come off when using the new decalfix?

I don't think Decalfix would affect any acrylics.
Pete

 

[Dave Ward]

Edward,
I've used Decalfix on all sorts of acrylic paint, Vallejo, MiG Ammo, AK, Hataka with no effect on the paint - but Decalfix can be very harsh on the decal itself! I tend to put the decal on using 50/50 diluted fix, then when I've positioned it use neat fix over the top!
Dave

 

[adt70hk]

Edward

Can only echo what Dave said re Decalfix.