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For discussions on tanks, artillery, jeeps, etc.
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Future and decals
11Bravo_C2
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Texas, United States
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 10:43 AM UTC

Quoted Text

I use Future too. Lately I have been having trouble finding it in the US. Where are people getting their bottles? My current one is only half full!

Damon.


I got mine at Ace Hardware.
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 10:48 AM UTC

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BTW, you could have just as well brushed it only on the areas where decal(s) are to be applied and spray a flat coat over the entire model after the decals dry.


I agree, just put some on with a brush. I then apply the decal while the Future is still wet. Blot the water/Future mix and then let it dry. Later more brush coats of Future and finally matte clear airbrushed over the entire model, weather as desired.



.
Biggles2
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 07:18 PM UTC
How well the decals lie flat depends on the quality and thinness of the decals themselves. Some decals from Eastern European origins, and short-run kits, are terrible (thick) and won't conform no matter how much setting solution you use. Cartograph (from Italy),used by several model manufacturers, are high quality. A method used by one modeler, with good results, may not necessarily work on another modeler's kit.
Headhunter506
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 07:45 PM UTC
Short of an acid bath, there's nothing that would soften those thick, industrial grade Eastern European decals sufficiently to get them to conform. For all others, Mike's method of placing the decal on freshly applied Future does the job. The film is drawn down to the model surface as the Future dries and conforms to it.
Namerifrats
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North Carolina, United States
Joined: May 26, 2014
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 08:14 PM UTC
I have a couple bottles of Microsol and Microset...both are probably 15 years old. Does this stuff go bad? Just wondering if I would be better off just buying new bottles.
Headhunter506
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 08:27 PM UTC

Quoted Text

I have a couple bottles of Microsol and Microset...both are probably 15 years old. Does this stuff go bad? Just wondering if I would be better off just buying new bottles.


I've got few Krasel Industries-labeled bottles of both, plus Micro Flat and Gloss, which I bought at Gateway Hobbies in Manhattan back in 1976 and they still do what they're supposed to do.
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 10:24 PM UTC
I do agree, the thickness of the decal film is a factor that will affect your success. Not sure if I have had any models with thick decals up to now but I do know I have had no problems of any kind since starting to use the Future plus matte clear process. Before that I usually ruined a model when it came time for the decals. I remember one "Pibber Boat" in particular where the decals glazed over.

Would a recently built old copy of the Tamiya GPA "seep" model count for thick decals? Again I had no problems with that one.

woltersk
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Posted: Thursday, July 13, 2017 - 11:11 PM UTC
One thing I didn't see mentioned was using Future as a protective coat under artists oils.
I will completely cover a kit in Future before applying oils. For 'sludge washes', the Future allows the desired amount of oil paint to be removed, up to removing it all and starting over (before it sets/dries). But, as stated in previous posts, Future will darken the paint underneath, therefore the undercoat will have to be modulated to accommodate the amount of darkening. Lots of experimenting required.

Keith
Belt_Fed
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Posted: Friday, July 14, 2017 - 04:13 AM UTC
Tamiya clear thinned with Mr. Leveling Thinner works much better than Future.
woltersk
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Posted: Friday, July 14, 2017 - 11:43 PM UTC

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Tamiya clear thinned with Mr. Leveling Thinner works much better than Future.


Jon,
Not to sound argumentative, but please define 'works better'. I.e, elaborate for those of us who are intrigued.

Thanks,

Keith
165thspc
#521
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Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2017 - 12:20 AM UTC
In no way am I trying to be argumentative but the wet Future then airbrushed matte clear has always worked extremely well for me so as far as I am concerned; "if it ain't broke don't fix it."

Someone else also mentioned Future darkening the base color of the model. Myself, I have never experienced this result. As you can tell I don't apply the Future to the entire model but just to the general area of the decal. Never noticed any darkening.
urumomo
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Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2017 - 12:56 AM UTC

Quoted Text



Someone else also mentioned Future darkening the base color of the model. Myself, I have never experienced this result. As you can tell I don't apply the Future to the entire model but just to the general area of the decal. Never noticed any darkening.


Yeah -- It definitely won't darken the colors .
Namerifrats
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Posted: Saturday, July 15, 2017 - 06:50 AM UTC
Update on this- Applied Future via airbrush a few days ago, 2 light coats. Applied decals today, used Walthers Solvaset. Got some fogging around the decal where the Solvaset reacted with the Future coat (dried just over 2 days), expected this due to earlier research. As the research stated, sprayed another light coat of Future over the decals to seal them and remove the fogging. Worked very well, satisfied with the results.
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