The Carwash

[Sticky Fingers]

Evening all,

Well, I'm just about to put the body of my Focus onto the chassis but I want to clean it first and basically wanted to know if it was safe? The body has been clearcoated, then decals on top. Windows are in place as are externals (i.e. wing mirrors, aerials etc).

There's residue of microsol & microset left on the body after decal application and wondered if it was safe to wash these away(the residue that is )? I was thinkin of just using kitchen paper towel. Wet a small bit at a time and dry off immediately with dry kitchen paper. Would this work or do I risk ruining my 'naked' decals?

Cheers

[mickbench]

Originally Posted by Sticky Fingers

Evening all,

Well, I'm just about to put the body of my Focus onto the chassis but I want to clean it first and basically wanted to know if it was safe? The body has been clearcoated, then decals on top. Windows are in place as are externals (i.e. wing mirrors, aerials etc).

There's residue of microsol & microset left on the body after decal application and wondered if it was safe to wash these away(the residue that is )? I was thinkin of just using kitchen paper towel. Wet a small bit at a time and dry off immediately with dry kitchen paper. Would this work or do I risk ruining my 'naked' decals?

Cheers

You need some model wax... It's safe on decals, and removes water marks etc. And protects from dust etc..!! Good stuff.. But it's not a polish, and neither will it make the model shine.. But it cleans up finger prints etc wonderfully well...

You can get some from here, so don't import from Japan etc...

http://www.modelsforsale.com/catalog...ucts_id=139288

Not cheap but it lasts for ages......!!!

[mickbench]

Oh, and make sure your decals are 100% dry before using model wax... It can lift them off if the decals are not applied correctly or have small pockets of air trapped inside..

Be gentle, and your model will clean up nicely... And then - Completed thread for you.. Woohoo..

[Sticky Fingers]

Cheers Mick, but, unfortunately I have a couple of decals with air underneath and no amount of microsol has helped shift them (major pain in the buttcheeks). Unless someone comes on here to say WOAH DON'T, I think I'm gonna wipe softly with water.

The real sad thing is that I DO have Tamiya wax!!!

[mickbench]

Originally Posted by Sticky Fingers

Cheers Mick, but, unfortunately I have a couple of decals with air underneath and no amount of microsol has helped shift them (major pain in the buttcheeks). Unless someone comes on here to say WOAH DON'T, I think I'm gonna wipe softly with water.

The real sad thing is that I DO have Tamiya wax!!!

I had the same issue in my Subaru WRC. I used a pin in the end to pop the bubble and then applied microsol (RED.??) to melt the decal down again. Had a small crease afterwards couldn't notice it unless you REALLY looked for it, but waxed up nicely enough.

As you say, perhaps someone else can help..

[fortyfourpm]

Use hot water on the kitchen towel and press over the bubble.

[sjelic]

Originally Posted by fortyfourpm

Use hot water on the kitchen towel and press over the bubble.

this helped me once, try it.
As for the water it probably won't take all of the Microsol marks away so it could not be enough. As for paper towels they tend to scratch windows and other clear parts, use cotton swabs and soft cotton rag (piece of T-shirt) to clean the water of. Wax will not pull the decal of even if it has bubbles, just don't rub to much or decal could crack (of course everything needs to be compleatly dry).
There are automotive waxes that are liquid and will do the trick without to much rubbing. Just be very gentle what ever you do.

[Sticky Fingers]

man this is scary, i could potentially ruin it at the last hurdle I'll let you know how i get on.....