Can decals be saved when paint is stripped??

[bizzychris]

It seems that I have put myself in quite the situation. I am going to strip my Audi R8 with dot 2 brake fluid. But I already put the two Audi logos on it . Does anybody know if these can be saved? The decals are under clear coat. help!!!!

[MPWR]

No, the decals cannot be saved.

This is the Revell kit? Revell customer service is very good, and you should be able to get another set of decals easily and inexpensively.

Skip the brake fluid- it can damage/destroy the plastic, and there are much safer options. What did you use to paint it?

[bizzychris]

I used Tamiya lacquer TS-38 and TS-13 clear coat. The clear coat "burned" off some of the colour (a problem mentioned in a previous AF thread). And now I have to strip. What stripping agent do you recommend?

[MPWR]

For TS lacquer, 99 or 91% isopropyl alcohol can't be beat. Get it at your local grocery/drugstore/hardware store. It very nicely dissolves the paint, and you could leave the body in it for years with no problems.

[bizzychris]

Thanks! How long do I let the body sit in it for? 4-6 hours? And how would the paint be removed? Scrubbing?

now, im trying to get replacement decals ><

[jano11]

Originally Posted by bizzychris

Thanks! How long do I let the body sit in it for? 4-6 hours? And how would the paint be removed? Scrubbing?

now, im trying to get replacement decals ><

A few days at least is needed. 4-6 hours won't be enough!
Just give it a try from time to time, you'll know when it's ready.
After a few days you should be able to scrub it with an old tooth brush.

[MPWR]

Depends on the concentration of the alcohol. If you're using a low concentration (like 70%) it could take days. Higher concentrations do it faster, and 99% can often strip TS in a few hours or less. I like using ziploc or glad type containers



I found a size perfect for bodies at my grocery store. Leave it overnight, and check it the next day.

[tuningmaniacs]

Heyyyyyyyyy! STOP!!!!!!

They can be saved or at least there is a way to try.

Try Microsol solution from Microscale. You have to brush on gently this product on the decal untill it loosens itself from the paint. But watch it!, this solution makes the decal VERY fragile so when doing this do it slowly with care and have ready the decal paper (like the paper you originally have for decals) to slide it off the paint and on the paper to use later.

I think it's worth the try.
Obviously if you have clear coated after the decals then nothing can be done but if the decal was last then try it.

Good luck

[freakray]

Microsol is a solution to soften decals and help them adhere to a surface better - I don't see how this can possibly help you remove them!

[jmwallac]

Originally Posted by freakray

Microsol is a solution to soften decals and help them adhere to a surface better - I don't see how this can possibly help you remove them!

I agree. In my experience, these decal setting solutions make it almost impossible to remove the decals even with tape. I've had the decals fuse in with the paint to the point that they had to be sanded out. Go with the Revell replacement service.

[tuningmaniacs]

Well I guess you guys are right, or at least have more experience but I just wanted to give a possible solution.

BUT btw. The correct solution is Microset not Microsol.


If you read on the blue colored bottle it says DECAL REMOVER and on the backside the instructions say:

TO REMOVE DECALS:
Brush MICRO SET on the decal to be removed. Keep applying until the decal loosens, then rub off or list the edge of the decal and peel off with the tip of a hobby knife. WORKS ONLY ON DECALS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN OVERCOATED.

So you have two solutions try it anyway because you are going to strip the paint later or get replace decals not having at least tried.

Regards
Alex

[stevenoble]

You can use the microset to remove decals, but as they are under a clear coat I would say it will not work as the microset won't be in contact with the decal.Get some replacement decals is the best bet.

[Didymus]

I think you can do it if you combine a couple of the suggestions others have made. Start by carefully wiping the decalled area with 91% isopropyl alcohol. When the clear-coat seems to be dissolved, carefullly blot up any residual alcohol.

Then use a Q-tip to soak the area with MicroSET (not Microsol.) Keep it wet, and after a couple of minutes you should be able to slide the decal around. Use a toothpick or tweezers to lift it very gingerly and place it flat on a slick surface for safekeeping until you repaint the car.

Since the decal's adhesive will be gone by that point, I'm not sure how to re-attach it. Maybe put some highly diluted white glue on the surface first? I just dunno.

Does anyone have a suggestion how to bond a "adhesive-less" decal to a surface? I've often worried about soaking a decal to the point where it loses its stickum.

All that being said, it's a long shot. If replacement decals are cheap, I'd order a set just in case.

Ddms