I used some old decal.big problem is when the decal is dry,it refuses to stick to the surface.any solution?

Put a little Future on the spot and put the decal on before it dries. It'll stick like 5hit to carpet.

Gaz

little future?

See here: Future

What surface? Is it a matt finish? If yes, that is the problem. You need a gloss type surface for decals. Future as mentioned above or even just clear gloss or semi gloss will do the trick.

The idea is there should be no air gap between decal and model. Even if glue is long dead, if you squeeze out the water out and use decal setting solution, there is no reasons why air blisters should return. And you need gloss under and over decal to seal it properly.

I have also used 50/50 diluted gloss varnish instead future in the past, works as well.

Hi Richard,

There are many options as mentioned by the others.

There also this...works great.

http://www.tamiya.com/english/products/87176/index.htm

Have a great day,

You could also try a little heat-- gently applied with a hair dryer to soften the decal. "Future" is an acrylic floor finish, designed to be crystal clear, and is self leveling (no brush marks if applied properly). But, it has many names depending on the country you live in-- in Europe it's know as "Kleer", here the states it's known as "Pledge with Future". It's original trade name was Future many years ago, and its manufactured by Johnson's Wax, who makes an extensive line of home care and cleaning products, and car wax's and finishes. It might help also to know who manufactured the decals-- some kit makers (Academy and Roden for example) are notorious for making decals that don't conform well (but I've found using the heat method and some Solvaset decal solution works well on them.
VR, Russ

a good substitute for the Future is Humbrol Gloss Clear AC7431, it's acrylic and self-giving same same as the future

Using heat to soften the decals works but it also risks melting the decals, or even truining the paint when overdone.

Too soften decals use Microset and Microsol or similar solutions.

Heat is often the only way to get Roden and Academy decals to conform. --I've tried Microset/sol, Testors decal solution, Humbrol decal solution, and straight alcohol and vinegar mixed-- to no avail on thier decals. Solvaset is my solution of choice and is a lot hotter than any of the Microscale products. I found the gentle application of heat with a small travel hair dryer works every time with Academy and Roden decals and Solvaset liberally applied to the surface the decal is being adhered to. I've never had a problem with paint or plastic using a hair dryer on a low heat setting, just be careful and pay attention while heating the decal.
VR, Russ