Removing Decals ?

[Doc Yo]

 Does anyone know of a solvent or method for removing decals once they've set? I was all set to take a few
pictures of my Wellesley NF Mk. I, and the the roundels curled a bit at the edges. ( I got in too much of a
hurry-the kit decals were long vanished and I only had one small sheet in the stash...) I'd just as soon not
have to re-paint if I don't have to...even if it is an all-black scheme.

[Brian da Basher]

I've heard using clear "Scotch" tape is a good way to remove decals. I don't think this would work if the entire model has a finish clear coat over it. My guess is any solvents that might help you remove the decals would also affect the paint too.

Brian da Basher

[John Howling Mouse]

MicroSol will sometimes remove old decals but it might fog up the paint underneath.  Not a problem if you're simply going to re-apply a similar decal over the same spot, anyhow.

[upnorth]

A lot depends on the type of paint you have under the decals and if you have sealed the paint before decaling.

If you used enamel paints or acrylic paints with and enamel sealer, but did not seal the decals, then a drop or two of isopropyl alcohol on the decal should loosen it up so you could remove it by rubbing it with a cotton ball or by slipping a blade under the decal edge and peeling it up.

As Brian said, you can used tape to lift it, but that only works if your decals are not sealed and I would not use scotch tape for it. Scotch tape has too much adhesive and leaves too much residue. Use lower tack painter's masking tape that you can get at a paint or hardware shop.

If you have your decals on unsealed acrylic paint, you must be more careful because any ammonia based solvent will disolved the paint no matter how well cured it is. Better on unsealed acrylics is to try to get the decal to lay down again with a thin coat of Future or Future derivative.

Use a fine brush to get a bit of Future under the edge of the offending decal and then, while the Future is still wet, brush a thin coat of Future over the whole decal and out past the edges. Brush from the centre of the decal out over the edges so that the Future under the edges squeezes out and combines with the layer of Future going over the top.

Once its all cured you may want to shoot down a sealing coat to cover the repair job.

Going by your description, it sounds like you have a salvageable decal, so regardless of the paint you used, try to get it to behave and conform with the above Future method rather than removing it if you can.

[noxioux]

You can also put a generous amount of microsol on the decal, let it sit and get nice and soft, and try to roll out any bubbles/wrinkles, etc. . . with a small cotton swab or soft paintbrush.  Sometimes I've had to go over a decal several times to get it right, but that method's worked for me.

[Doc Yo]

 Thanks for the advice, Colleagues-I'll give it a go.

[Joe C-P]

I may have to do the same thing soon (I believe I have chosen the wrong ship, but the right class of ship, in a diorama) so please update us with what you do and how well it works.

Thank you.

JoeP

[sequoiaranger]

I have many sets of FROG decals. I recently used a Frog Wellesley model for another kitbash, so I almost assuredly have a set I could send you, if you need them. Maybe two.

I won't bother to search for them unless I hear from you that you want them, but don't hesitate if you really do want them!