Help needed to remove old decals from backing paper.

[jghoseman]

Sorry if this has been covered before. I've tried searching but couldn't find anything.
I have an old decal sheet for a Senna helmet (1992).
They are from a Tamiya Tamtech Maclaren mp4/6, 1/14 scale.
When I soak them in water to remove them from the backing sheet they won't budge.
Tried hot water from kettle and also Micro Sol, still won't move.
Any suggestions thankfully received.

[hirofkd]

Is it even a water-slide decal?

[jghoseman]

Originally Posted by hirofkd

Is it even a water-slide decal?

It is, the decals for the body shell are vinal self adhesive, but you get a seperate sheet for the helmet which is water slide.
I have since tried heating them in the microwave in a shallow dish of water, still no joy.

[stevetam]

maybe try adding soap to the solution - might act as a lubricant if it can get under the decal

[jghoseman]

Originally Posted by stevetam

maybe try adding soap to the solution - might act as a lubricant if it can get under the decal

Thanks for the suggestion Steve, tried a few drops of washing up liquid in the water in the microwave and still no movement. Had them soaking for about 4 hours now.

[hirofkd]

I see. Hmmm...
I have some old Tamiya decals that requires 5 minutes of soaking, but not like 4 hours.
It could be that the moisture in the air might have affected the adhesive that they permanently fixed the decals to the backing sheet. (That's just my wild guess...)
The only solution I can think of is to get a laser (or inkjet) printer decal sheet, and scan&print (or photocopy) the decals. You might have to use both white and clear types, depending on the design of each logo.

[jghoseman]

Unfortunatly, all the decals are now cut out and soaking, so any chance of copying them is gone.
Think I will have to start searching for a new set.
Trouble is the scale, 1/14, not exactly common.

[jghoseman]

Well, checked decals after leaving to soak overnight and guess what, still no movement

[stevetam]

I've though up of a more intrusive way to get the decal out - an no guarantees the decal might even come off.

1. Cut a small slit at the edge of the decal
2. Use the edge of the modelling knife or even the tip of the pin and try to get under the decal.

alternately, the most extreme and dangerous method I could think of is to gently cut slit the backing in 2 but not severing the decal film. Fold the whole sheet where the slit is and hope you can peel the backing off the decal.

I wouldn't recommend doing any of these - as I have not bee forced to do any of these since my decals come right off a waterslide, but it seems like you don't really have a choice. You should probably test both ways on an area where there isn't a decal first.

[jghoseman]

I will give those methods a try, nothing to lose now.
Thanks.