Can I Use Setting Solution on Vinyl Decal

Gardener Havesix · Friday, December 3, 2021

Decal setting solution? To use or not to use for automotive application?

Do people use setting solutions like Micro Sol/Set for waterslide decals placed on vehicles? All of the information I can get on the subject is on model forums, but they don't use 2k clear over their decals, and their decals are considerably smaller then the decals used on cars.
Is setting solutions not really necessary? Or are there issues with using it in the automotive process? (i.e adhesion issues, reacting to automotive clear, etc)?
Originally Posted by Respawn

Do people use setting solutions like Micro Sol/Set for waterslide decals placed on vehicles? All of the information I can get on the subject is on model forums, but they don't use 2k clear over their decals, and their decals are considerably smaller then the decals used on cars.

Is setting solutions not really necessary? Or are there issues with using it in the automotive process? (i.e adhesion issues, reacting to automotive clear, etc)?

I normally use a decal solution to allow me to position large decals. I wet the surface and the adhesive side of the decal then position it and then go over it with a squeegee to remove the lubricant and any bubbles.
Originally Posted by Len

I normally use a decal solution to allow me to position large decals. I wet the surface and the adhesive side of the decal then position it and then go over it with a squeegee to remove the lubricant and any bubbles.

Okay, thank you for the info. After applying a large decal, about how long do you need to wait before clear coating? Is it possible to let the decal dry too long? I've had it multiple times where I apply a large decal, it looks great, then wait a day or two for the decal to dry and when I check back on it areas of the decal look foggy. I don't know if I let it dry too long or if the decal paper was bad.
Originally Posted by Respawn

Okay, thank you for the info. After applying a large decal, about how long do you need to wait before clear coating? Is it possible to let the decal dry too long? I've had it multiple times where I apply a large decal, it looks great, then wait a day or two for the decal to dry and when I check back on it areas of the decal look foggy. I don't know if I let it dry too long or if the decal paper was bad.

You don''t want to trap ANY moisture under the clear so you need to allow it to fully dry and the amount of time can depend on the environment during the drying process.
Based on past experience "water slide" decals are in most cases lacquer based and that can be a problem top coating with clear. Peel off sticky back decals are pretty much what most people use.
Originally Posted by Phil V

Based on past experience "water slide" decals are in most cases lacquer based and that can be a problem top coating with clear. Peel off sticky back decals are pretty much what most people use.

Interesting, I've never heard of sticky backed decals being used on vehicles. Do you top those with clearcoat as well?
Originally Posted by Respawn

Interesting, I've never heard of sticky backed decals being used on vehicles. Do you top those with clearcoat as well?

I haven't used anything but sticky-backed decals on cars, trucks and bikes. The only time I've used water-based decals is on small model cars, planes and boats and I would think that applying paint on top of those water-based decals might cause them to wrinkle. On sticky-backed decals you can scuff them very lightly using something like Scuff-Stuff then clean and apply clear.
Originally Posted by Len

I haven't used anything but sticky-backed decals on cars, trucks and bikes. The only time I've used water-based decals is on small model cars, planes and boats and I would think that applying paint on top of those water-based decals might cause them to wrinkle. On sticky-backed decals you can scuff them very lightly using something like Scuff-Stuff then clean and apply clear.

Thank you for the info. I'm going to look into these decals further, any official name for them? When I look up "sticky backed decals" it comes up with "vinyl stickers" and "adhesive decals"?
Originally Posted by Respawn

Thank you for the info. I'm going to look into these decals further, any official name for them? When I look up "sticky backed decals" it comes up with "vinyl stickers" and "adhesive decals"?

I use Slide-On application gel to position the graphic then squeegee it out. I apply the Slide-On to the sticky side of the graphic and on the vehicle surface, put the graphic on the vehicle and position it then hit it with the squeegee.
Originally Posted by Len

I use Slide-On application gel to position the graphic then squeegee it out. I apply the Slide-On to the sticky side of the graphic and on the vehicle surface, put the graphic on the vehicle and position it then hit it with the squeegee.

I'm honestly fascinated by this whole subject, I never realized there were so many types of decals. And these sound easier to deal with then the waterslide decals I've used. I'm excited about the Slide-On gel. First though I'm tying to decide on the decal paper itself. I did some research and found multiple different kinds of sticky backed decals, for example:
https://www.amazon.com/Clear-Vinyl-D.../dp/B004JZYXXW

https://www.amazon.com/Inkjet-Glossy.../dp/B000W4H63S

https://www.amazon.com/Neato-Blank-F...ZYZ4Y8B4J8H5HG

I want to be able to design and print custom decals at home (I do smaller decals, usually 6+ inches long), so any suggestions on which type of decal would be good for car application? Or maybe a link to the type you use?