Old Decals

Modeling Subjects Scratchbuilding
1

I hope this is the right forum to post as I need input from “out of the box” thinkers and scratchbuilders are good at that!

I have some old Monogram decals that will crumble in water so I coated them with Microscale decal restorer. They hold together now but do not stick to the smooth surface and try to roll up on the edges while setting. I am using Decal Set and tried Micro Sol. Even tried putting them on with Future.

Any thoughts on this?

Andy

2

Hello!

Don usually recommends scanning your decals (especially the old ones) before touching them. This way, if something goes wrong, you can re-print them. I have already made several custom decal sheets using CorelDRAW for drawing and custom printing companies for the print itself.

While it probably isn’t heplful in your case, mabe re-drawing your decals would be less work than experimenting with all that chemistry?

The biggest set I made was for my Whale:

1:72 Hasegawa EKA-3B Whale by Pawel

Here I used amix of custom made and kit decals. There were moments, where I regretted not re-drawing all the decals, for example when the wing walkway (kit decal) warped in an ugly way in process of putting it on. The custom-printed decals went on like a charm.

Hope it helps, have a nice day

Paweł

3

A thinned solution of white glue will help decals adhere. Apply with decal and then carefully wipe away excess while holding decal in position. Get all the excess off- any seeping out around the edges will change the flatness of the finish. Also, gloss or flat coat sealing coats may help hold them on, but not with much strength.

4

Thanks guys!

5

That is one fantastic aircraft build, Pawel!

6

Hi Andy.

I’m a model car builder and when I come across old un-useable decals that are still intact, I do like you did coating them, but I keep them as a master to file away, instead of trying to use them. Next, I get out my decal paper, either clear or white depending on the project and I make a copy in my copier using the master that I saved, wait an hour for the ink to dry, and then clear coat, then wait a day for them to dry and their ready to use, and I still have the originals if I mess up or need more, plus instead of trying to use old decals that roll up, I have new fresh decals to work with that will lay down flat - YAAA.[:D]

Hope that helps.

7

As a person whose saved decals or printed new ones and saved hundreds of pounds over the years. Just do as they say above.