Before I reply to a request for help or post a tip I do research to ascertain that the product actually exists and is used for the purpose described. So when I researched Micro Krystel Klear I found that Microscale makes numerous interesting chemicals that can be used to benefit the modeler such as removing decals working with old dried decals, polish and glues.

Now before I go any further and you rush out to purchase these products let me mention I do not know what if any chemical reactions may occur once these products are applied to the finish of a diecast model. I strongly suggest that you test any product on a test model or a location on your model where it won’t be seen before continuing with the repair or update.

I found the description of these products to be rather acurate worthy of a second look. So here is some info on the Microscale line of products, yes I did buy them.

KRISTAL KLEAR

If there ever was a modelers' secret, this is it. Micro Kristal Klear can do so many things; you will not believe that any product can make such a big difference in the appearance of your models.

First, Micro Kristal Klear is a liquid that can be used to form very real looking small windows up to 1/4" in size. It also is an adhesive for mounting clear plastic parts, windows, etc., on models. It can be used to make lenses both clear and colored with the addition of a little food coloring. What really makes a remarkable difference in your models is the simple fact that the clear parts can be joined to the painted parts with a completely clear adhesive. What this means is that you do not have to mask around the clear parts, something that is rarely completely successful any way. Plus the sills, which are painted, can be seen through the Micro Kristal Klear for the most realistic looking windows you will see on a model.

What the pros like best is that it is fast and easy and stays clear. It cleans up with water while wet and is waterproof when dry. You can tell when it's dry because it turns from milky white to clear. If you need a super strong and flexible adhesive for wood, plastic, paper or most combinations of dissimilar materials, this is a handy thing to have.

For the making of small windows, you just dip a toothpick in this thick liquid and apply a little all around the edges. Then, holding the toothpick as flat as you can to the opening, draw it across from one side of the opening to the other. You will pick up a bubble, which will form a very thin window of scale thickness that is also strong and flexible. When installing larger clear parts, paint the model first. Just apply a little Micro Kristal Klear along the edges to be joined, put in place and let dry.

1OZ. Bottle approx. $2.50

LIQUID DECAL FILM

Everyone who models and uses decals should have Micro Liquid Decal Film, especially if you have been modeling for some time. The typical decal scrap box is not the best place to store the decals. When exposed to air, sunlight, moisture, great swings of temperature or general abuse, decals will go bad. Maybe you just always have had trouble putting on thin stripes. Micro Liquid Decal Film solves all those problems and makes a decal, which, for what ever reason, is bad, work again just like new almost immediately. Of course, if you have already put it in water, it is too late.

So if you have some old decals you really want to use, coat them with Micro Liquid Decal Film to be sure. If there is any indication that you might have a problem, don't take a chance. You can solve the problem on the spot. Simply take a small brush and coat the image on the decal you want to use. Allow drying for 20 minutes. Apply the decal as usual.

With Experts-Choice decal paper and a color photocopier, ink jet, or laser printer you can create, design, and print your own decals. Then coat it with MicroLiquid Decal Film to seal the ink just like a decal printing shop. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to do. It is so much easier than doing artwork on a model.

1 OZ. Bottle approx. $2.50

SOL

Micro Sol setting solution is for difficult irregular surfaces you find on models. It completely softens the decal, allowing it to drape down onto the surface, conforming perfectly and without distortion. You can get the most amazing results in seemingly impossible places, because Micro Sol actually makes the decal part of the paint.

For that reason you should coat Micro Sol on for only a few seconds. Leave it alone. It does the work. Do not touch until dry, as the decal is very soft at this stage and could be easily damaged.

For the best result, first apply Micro Sol to prepare the surface and enhance the adhesive. Make sure the surface is free of particles that could get under the decal and blemish it. Then when it is dry enough so that it will not move easily, apply Micro Sol with a small flat brush. Apply with as few strokes as possible so as not to disturb the decal. Then just allow drying. One application works in most cases, but if necessary allow to dry completely and reapply until the desired effect is achieved. Just by following these simple instructions, you should have a perfect professional looking job.

1 OZ. Bottle $2.50

SET

Micro Set is a very versatile decal setting solution that does several things to the decal to improve application. Micro Set should be applied to the model where you will be sliding off the decal. Micro Set prepares the surface with special wetting agents that cut the oils in new paint and convert the adhesive on the back of the decal to a stronger and longer lasting one. Finally, Micro Set slightly softens the decal film to make it more flexible so that it can conform better to the model's surface. The decal's better adhesion to the model prevents tiny air bells from occurring and results in an invisible carrier film or the so-called "paint on look".

To apply Micro Set, use a soft, flat artist's brush and apply Micro Set where you are going to apply the decal. Next slide off the decal. Use a small pointed tip synthetic bristle brush carefully to position the decal. Blot the decal carefully with tissue or paper toweling so as not to move it and allow drying overnight. It is then ready for a protective coat of Micro Coat Flat, Satin, or Gloss.

1 OZ. Bottle $2.50

FLAT COAT, SATIN COAT, GLOSS COAT

Micro Coat finishes are more than just a pretty look. This is one tough finish, and a real breakthrough in modern formulation of water reducible acrylic resin. For models that get a lot of handling this is the answer. Even the Micro Coat Flat and Satin continue to look like new after a great deal of handling.

1 OZ. Bottle $2.50 each

MICRO WELD

There is nothing quite like the new Micro Weld solvent cement. You will find that application is very different from, and easier than the old cement. You will also find that it is much more forgiving and stronger when dry. This adhesive will not craze clear plastic or tend to warp thin plastic like other cements. Since Micro Weld will not lift most paints, it can be used to repair models without repainting. No longer do you need to hold the parts together while applying the adhesive to the seams. You now will have both hands free to position the parts properly.

Apply the new Micro Weld using a small brush in a thin coat on the edges of the parts. The coated edges become very tacky like contact cement. Now join the parts by pressing together. You will have a few seconds to remove or realign the parts for a perfect fit. Avoid getting cement in unwanted areas. You now have a strong bond that is not brittle and will last.

1 OZ. Bottle $2.50

MASK LIQUID

Micro Mask is like masking tape in a bottle. Just apply it with a brush, let it dry, and cut it to any shape you want with a sharp no.11 blade. Peel out the part where you want to paint leaving an outer stencil mask and paint with the method of your choice. Just don't use a water-based paint over it, because Micro Mask is water-soluble. Use solvent-based paints. You can paint the finest details you can cut with a knife. Unlike masking tape that can allow paint to go under it, even the most difficult designs come out sharp and clean with Micro Mask. An easy way to peel Micro Mask off, as soon as the paint is dry enough, is to rub on a piece of masking tape and pull it away quickly. In difficult areas, just use water and a toothbrush and dissolve it away.

1 OZ. Bottle $2.50

LIQUITAPE

Micro Liquitape is a liquid adhesive that when applied to one side of a part and allowed to dry, can be pressed on to another clean part where it will stick firmly enough for a display model. You can take it apart again and again as long as they stay clean. Even then, another coat will renew it. Let's say you would like to do a complete interior on a model, but when the model is finished you could not see it. If the top or some other part were separate, you would use Micro Liquitape for the final assembly and retain the ability to remove it at any time, revealing the detailed interior.

There is another important use of this product, such as in "scratch building." This is particularly where you are shaping a part from a pattern, which you want to remove after forming it.

When you arrive at this advanced level of modeling, you will know when you need this product. Micro Liquitape is also a water clean-up formula, providing you do it before it dries.

1 OZ. Bottle $2.50

So there you have some interesting products that you may find useful while tinkering with your favorite diecast. You may purchase these products from our friends at:

Bare Metal Foil
PO Box 82,
Farmington, MI 48332

Visit them on the web at BMF

Phone: (248) 477-0813
Fax: (248) 476-3343