PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

DSPIAE · Decal Solutions

ETC-03 Decal Softener 40ml

Softens waterslide decals so they settle into every panel line and curve, and look painted on ✨

⭐ Why modellers use it

✅ Decals that follow the surface – the film relaxes and pulls down over rivets, panel lines, curves and raised detail.

✅ Gets rid of silvering – no more shiny, frosted patches where air is trapped under the clear film.

✅ No bubbles, better grip – the decal beds down fully, so it bonds properly instead of sitting on top of the surface.

✅ A painted-on look – edges settle and the carrier film all but disappears once the model is clear coated.

✅ 40ml bottle – a little goes a long way; enough for many kits' worth of decals.

🔧 What it does

A waterslide decal is a thin printed film. Straight from the water it is fairly stiff, which is why it bridges across panel lines, tents over rivets and refuses to sit down on a curved surface. Wherever it does not touch the model, a pocket of air is trapped underneath, and that is what shows as the silvery sheen known as silvering.

ETC-03 temporarily softens the film. Brushed onto a decal that is already in position, it lets the film relax, sink into the recesses and stretch over the high points. As it dries the decal tightens down against the surface and stays there.

The result is a marking that follows every detail of the model and looks as though it was painted on rather than applied.

📐 Specifications

Brand	DSPIAE
Model	ETC-03
Type	Decal softener for waterslide decals
Volume	40 ml
Composition	Organic solvent and water
Adhesive	None – this is the softener-only formula
Also available	ETC-04 Adhesive Decal Softener (sold separately)

📦 What's in the pack

▪️ 1 x DSPIAE ETC-03 decal softener, 40 ml

🧪 How to use it

1. Cut out the decal and soak it in warm water until it slides freely on its backing paper.

2. Slide the decal off the paper and onto the model, and move it into its final position.

3. Use a cotton bud to press out the water and any air from the centre outwards.

4. Brush a thin coat of decal softener over the decal.

5. Blot away any excess softener and gently press out trapped air.

6. Leave it completely alone until dry.

💡 Tips for best results

👉 Decal onto gloss. A gloss surface gives the film nothing to bridge over. Applying decals over a gloss coat is the single biggest step towards avoiding silvering.

👉 Position first, soften second. Once softener is on, the decal is delicate. Get it exactly where you want it while it is still wet with water only.

👉 Do not panic if it wrinkles. A softened decal often puckers for a few minutes. That is the film relaxing. Leave it, and it pulls flat as it dries.

👉 Hands off while it works. Touching or brushing a softened decal is how they tear and smear.

👉 Second coat for deep detail. Over heavy panel lines or rivets, let the first application dry and then apply another. A light prick with a sharp blade releases any stubborn bubble first.

👉 Seal it afterwards. Once everything is fully dry, a clear coat over the top protects the decals and blends the film edge into the finish.

🔀 ETC-03 or ETC-04?

ETC-03 Decal Softener (this listing): softens the film so it conforms to the surface. The standard choice for decals in good condition.

ETC-04 Adhesive Decal Softener: softens and adds adhesive. For older decals, decals that have lost their own glue, or any that will not stay down.

⚠️ Worth knowing before you buy

▪️ Test it on a spare decal first. Decal film varies a great deal between manufacturers. Some are thick and need plenty of softener; some thin aftermarket decals react strongly and can be damaged. Every sheet has spare markings or a logo you can try.

▪️ Test it on your paint as well. A softener contains solvent. On a fully cured finish it is normally fine, but on fresh paint or some clear coats it can mark the surface. Let paint cure properly and try a hidden spot.

▪️ For waterslide decals only. It is not for self-adhesive stickers, foil stickers or dry rub-down transfers.

▪️ It contains no adhesive. It will not rescue a decal that has lost its glue. That is what the ETC-04 is for.

▪️ Handle with care. Contains organic solvent. Use in a ventilated space, keep away from heat and flame, avoid contact with eyes and skin, keep the bottle closed when not in use, and keep out of reach of children.

🚚 Dispatch and delivery

📮 Orders placed before 3 PM on working days are dispatched the same day.

🇬🇧 Sent from our own stock in Derby, UK – no waiting for overseas shipping.

📦 Buying several items? Postage is combined, and if you end up overpaying we refund the difference when we pack your order.

Hobby Heaven

By Hobbyists. For Hobbyists.

A family-run UK hobby and art supplies shop. Fighting with decals that will not settle? Send us a message – a real modeller will answer.

DSPIAE · Decal Solutions ETC-03 Decal Softener 40ml Softens waterslide decals so they settle into every panel line and curve, and look painted on ✨ ⭐ Why modellers use it ✅ Decals that follow the surface – the film relaxes and pulls down over rivets, panel lines, curves and raised detail. ✅ Gets rid of silvering – no more shiny, frosted patches where air is trapped under the clear film. ✅ No bubbles, better grip – the decal beds down fully, so it bonds properly instead of sitting on top of the surface. ✅ A painted-on look – edges settle and the carrier film all but disappears once the model is clear coated. ✅ 40ml bottle – a little goes a long way; enough for many kits' worth of decals. 🔧 What it does A waterslide decal is a thin printed film. Straight from the water it is fairly stiff, which is why it bridges across panel lines, tents over rivets and refuses to sit down on a curved surface. Wherever it does not touch the model, a pocket of air is trapped underneath, and that is what shows as the silvery sheen known as silvering. ETC-03 temporarily softens the film. Brushed onto a decal that is already in position, it lets the film relax, sink into the recesses and stretch over the high points. As it dries the decal tightens down against the surface and stays there. The result is a marking that follows every detail of the model and looks as though it was painted on rather than applied. 📐 Specifications Brand DSPIAE Model ETC-03 Type Decal softener for waterslide decals Volume 40 ml Composition Organic solvent and water Adhesive None – this is the softener-only formula Also available ETC-04 Adhesive Decal Softener (sold separately) 📦 What's in the pack ▪️ 1 x DSPIAE ETC-03 decal softener, 40 ml 🧪 How to use it 1. Cut out the decal and soak it in warm water until it slides freely on its backing paper. 2. Slide the decal off the paper and onto the model, and move it into its final position. 3. Use a cotton bud to press out the water and any air from the centre outwards. 4. Brush a thin coat of decal softener over the decal. 5. Blot away any excess softener and gently press out trapped air. 6. Leave it completely alone until dry. 💡 Tips for best results 👉 Decal onto gloss. A gloss surface gives the film nothing to bridge over. Applying decals over a gloss coat is the single biggest step towards avoiding silvering. 👉 Position first, soften second. Once softener is on, the decal is delicate. Get it exactly where you want it while it is still wet with water only. 👉 Do not panic if it wrinkles. A softened decal often puckers for a few minutes. That is the film relaxing. Leave it, and it pulls flat as it dries. 👉 Hands off while it works. Touching or brushing a softened decal is how they tear and smear. 👉 Second coat for deep detail. Over heavy panel lines or rivets, let the first application dry and then apply another. A light prick with a sharp blade releases any stubborn bubble first. 👉 Seal it afterwards. Once everything is fully dry, a clear coat over the top protects the decals and blends the film edge into the finish. 🔀 ETC-03 or ETC-04? ETC-03 Decal Softener (this listing): softens the film so it conforms to the surface. The standard choice for decals in good condition. ETC-04 Adhesive Decal Softener: softens and adds adhesive. For older decals, decals that have lost their own glue, or any that will not stay down. ⚠️ Worth knowing before you buy ▪️ Test it on a spare decal first. Decal film varies a great deal between manufacturers. Some are thick and need plenty of softener; some thin aftermarket decals react strongly and can be damaged. Every sheet has spare markings or a logo you can try. ▪️ Test it on your paint as well. A softener contains solvent. On a fully cured finish it is normally fine, but on fresh paint or some clear coats it can mark the surface. Let paint cure properly and try a hidden spot. ▪️ For waterslide decals only. It is not for self-adhesive stickers, foil stickers or dry rub-down transfers. ▪️ It contains no adhesive. It will not rescue a decal that has lost its glue. That is what the ETC-04 is for. ▪️ Handle with care. Contains organic solvent. Use in a ventilated space, keep away from heat and flame, avoid contact with eyes and skin, keep the bottle closed when not in use, and keep out of reach of children. 🚚 Dispatch and delivery 📮 Orders placed before 3 PM on working days are dispatched the same day. 🇬🇧 Sent from our own stock in Derby, UK – no waiting for overseas shipping. 📦 Buying several items? Postage is combined, and if you end up overpaying we refund the difference when we pack your order. Hobby Heaven By Hobbyists. For Hobbyists. A family-run UK hobby and art supplies shop. Fighting with decals that will not settle? Send us a message – a real modeller will answer.

Specifications

Brand Dspiae
Type Decal Softener
Volume 40 ml
MPN ETC-03
Features Reduces Silvering, Conforms to Surface Detail
Country of Origin China
Suitable For Waterslide Decals
Colour Grey
EAN 6977151543165

ABOUT US

Welcome to Hobby Heaven!

We're a brand built by passionate hobbyists for hobbyists. Our mission is to support all your creative endeavors, whether you're into modeling, wargaming, crafting, or art. As enthusiasts ourselves, we understand the importance of quality supplies at affordable prices.

Our carefully curated selection of high-quality materials is designed to inspire and empower hobbyists and artists alike. We're particularly proud of our innovative, cost-effective basing system - a game-changer for modelers and wargamers looking for professional results without breaking the bank.

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