Decals - Getting That "Painted On" Look

Ok, if you like that "Painted On" look, but lack the free-hand painting skills to do it than I highly suggest these two products. Microscale Industries, Inc. Micro Set and Micro Sol. They are absolutely wonderful.

Micro Set is a very versatile decal setting solution that does several things, it softens the decal so that it can conform better to the model's surface, and can be used as a decal remover / lifter after the decal has already been put into place.

Micro Sol setting solution is for the most difficult irregular surfaces. It completely softens the decal allowing it to drape down onto the surface of the model conforming perfectly and without distortion.

Brush a little Micro Set onto the surface where the decal is to be applied. Place your decal and than carefully brush some more Micro Set onto the decal. Wait a few minute for the setting solution to work. If needed apply more Micro Set -OR- use Micro Sol for more softening strength. Once Micro Sol has been used, leave it alone, it does the work. Don't touch it before it's dry as the decal is very soft at this stage and could be easily damaged.

Here are some examples:

Ultramarines: Army Progress - Post One

Combat Squad Primus of the Ultramarines 2nd Company.

This is the first installment of the progression on my Ultramarines force. I'm not sure how long this squad took me, but it sure feels like quite awhile. I haven't painted mini's since I last played back in the days of 2nd edition. Over all I feel these turned out quite well.

NOTES:

• I started from a base coat of Chaos Black primer and then painted the armor with a 1:1 mix of Chaos Black and Regal Blue, including the deep recesses of the armor plates.
• Next I used a 1:1 mix of Regal Blue and Ultramarines Blue to build up the color of the armor, taking care not to get any in recesses.
• To make the extreme highlights I then applied a thin line of Ultramarines Blue to the edges of the armor plates excluding the shoulder guards, followed by another even thinner line of a 1:1 mix Ultramarines Blue and Space Wolves Grey.
• The gold chest eagles and shoulder guard trim was first painted Brazen Brass to give me a good foundation. I then built upon this with Shining Gold, followed by Brown Ink to give me some better shading effects.
• Lastly the chest eagle and shoulder guard trim was highlighted with a 1:1 mix Shining Gold and Mithril Silver.