Decal Softners and Washes

[Astartes Consul]

Looking for a quick bit of advice here.
 

When using Microsol and Microset over the top of enamel and oil washes, how long do you typically wait until starting with decals? 

 

I’ve got some models that I’ve applied an enamel wash filter to here and while it’s touch dry, I don’t want to ruin it with the decal chemicals. 
 

Yes, I should have done the decals first I know. 

[andes]

I'd hit the area with gloss varnish and let it dry first. Then add the decals and let them dry, then brush over a bit of matte varnish.

[Karhedron]

I wash first then apply decals so it should be fine (although I use acrylics rather than enamels).

 

Enamels dry slower than acrylics so if you want to be absolutely sure it is safe, leave in a warm place for 24 hours to fully harden.

[pawl]

1 hour ago, andes said:

I'd hit the area with gloss varnish and let it dry first. Then add the decals and let them dry, then brush over a bit of matte varnish.

Exactly this. It'll not only help prevent any reactivation from the solutions (I don't know what's in them, but I know they smell as strong as some paint stripping chemicals!), but it also helps both to slide the decals onto the model without tearing, and hide the transparent outline of the decal. =]

[apologist]

I’ve heard tell that vinegar works as a decal softener, so you might try some white vinegar first before using the unknown ingredients in the softener. I don’t think vinegar should impact enamels.

[Cleon]

From what I've seen enamel washes can be quite tempramental - I'd be temted to find a couple of alternate parts you don't intend on using, repeat your paint process on them, and then see if you aare happy with the decal process before risking your painted minis.