re-decaling old decals?!

Tools, Techniques, and Reference Materials Decaling
1

I have an old model that I decaled on a rough and dullcoted surface, which of course turned out pretty shoddy. I would like to go back with decal solvent and see if this helps to “hunker” the decal down better. Will this work, as it has been about 5-7 years. Maybe it’s too late after it’s dryed for so long…
Any comments?

2

Might want to brush on a little water first just to hydrate the decal then use some Micro-Set or Micro-Sol then seal the decal afterwards with a flat coat or Future coat. Working with used decals of that age can be a little risky.

3

Thanks, I’ll try that! I’m kind of new to using Micro-set/solvent stuff, so I wasn’t sure if it would work if the decal was placed on originally with water. I am also about to decal a new model, and was going to use the standard water slide on method. I usually don’t have any problems with this method, but if I do, can I use the micro-sol for any areas that end up having problems after it dries, or should I just do all of it at once with the solution?

4

New decals - important that you have a gloss finish FIRST. Use Future or other gloss coat, let dry/cure then decal and use Micro-Set at least (I use Micro-Set then Micro-Sol 5 minutes later) let dry then recoat with future or a flat coat like Polly Scale clear flat. Do it this way and chances of having any problems now or later virtually nil.

5

Thanks Swanny, So do you use the Micro-set to get the decal off the sheet, or do you use water, dry it off and then apply the solution? Sorry for so many questions, I just don’t want to ruin anything.

6

Hey, no problem. Always happy to help.

What I do;

  1. Dip decal in luke warm water and set on desk surface, usually with a few extra drops of water.
  2. When decal has loosened from paper backing so I can slide it around easily with a toothpick I take a #1 soft brush and put some Micro-Set on the model where the decal will go, just a couple of drops spread around.
  3. Place decal and position properly.
  4. Using corner of tissue paper wick excess moisture off without touching decal.
  5. Wait about five minutes.
  6. Using that #1 soft brush again gently brush some Micro-Set across decal. If decal is still very mobile place a drop of Micro-Sol at the edge and let capillary action draw it into the decal.
  7. Wick off any excess with tissue. Don’t touch the decal because at this point it is VERY soft.
  8. After the decal has dried if it is not completely snuggled down you may re-apply Micro-Sol. With some old Tamiya decals I’ve had to put Micro-Sol on over three days to get the darn things to set down right.

Micro-Set and Micro-Sol can react with Future and cause a whitening. If you use Future and this happens do not get excited. Wait 24 hours for everything to dry then apply another coat of Future and the white will go away.

After decals are in place and dry I will seal everything with another coat of Future then apply weathering effects then coat with Polly Scale clear flat.

That should about cover it - good luck and happy modeling.

7

I’ve never had any luck trying to get an old decal to lie back down - If the decal gets too brittle, nothing I try softens it - additionally the adhesive doesn’t seem to want to reactivate - So now I strip the old decal (scotch tape and masking tape do a good job) and when I get the area cleaned up, I install a new decal - not near as frustrating. [:P]