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Model Forum / General / Models / January 2008



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Removing Old Decals

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Count DeMoney - 06 Jan 2008 19:45 GMT
I'm 3/4 of the way through dealing with the really old built kits that
have been hiding in boxes for 30 or more years.  There are a few that
I want to attempt to restore while I break down the rest for parts or
just trash them.  One common problem is old decals need to go and some
of the old striping / detailing tape needs to go.  Is there an easy
way of getting this stuff off without destroying the models?
someone@some.domain - 06 Jan 2008 21:02 GMT
>I'm 3/4 of the way through dealing with the really old built kits that
>have been hiding in boxes for 30 or more years.  There are a few that
>I want to attempt to restore while I break down the rest for parts or
>just trash them.  One common problem is old decals need to go and some
>of the old striping / detailing tape needs to go.  Is there an easy
>way of getting this stuff off without destroying the models?
try some white vinegar first.
hill4448@gmail.com - 07 Jan 2008 04:39 GMT
> One common problem is old decals need to go and some
> of the old striping / detailing tape needs to go.  Is there an easy
> way of getting this stuff off without destroying the models?

In the past I've been able to use Easy-Off brand oven cleaner with
some success.  It also tends to work at helping to disolve paint
too, so be careful what you're putting it on.  It works fairly quickly
as I recall, about half an hour's time for larger USAF National in-
signia.  I have to admit though, this is over twenty years ago that
I did that!  :)

Hope this helps!

-andyh
eyeball - 07 Jan 2008 04:52 GMT
If they weren't sealed with an overcoat,you could put some very sticky
tape over them.Burnish it down then pull.
> I'm 3/4 of the way through dealing with the really old built kits that
> have been hiding in boxes for 30 or more years.  There are a few that
> I want to attempt to restore while I break down the rest for parts or
> just trash them.  One common problem is old decals need to go and some
> of the old striping / detailing tape needs to go.  Is there an easy
> way of getting this stuff off without destroying the models?
Don Stauffer in Minnesota - 07 Jan 2008 14:52 GMT
> I'm 3/4 of the way through dealing with the really old built kits that
> have been hiding in boxes for 30 or more years.  There are a few that
> I want to attempt to restore while I break down the rest for parts or
> just trash them.  One common problem is old decals need to go and some
> of the old striping / detailing tape needs to go.  Is there an easy
> way of getting this stuff off without destroying the models?

If none of the other methods work, there is always #600 or #1000
sandpaper.  It will take top layers of finish off, but with enough
control to prevent going too deep.
Mad-Modeller - 08 Jan 2008 06:57 GMT
> I'm 3/4 of the way through dealing with the really old built kits that
> have been hiding in boxes for 30 or more years.  There are a few that
> I want to attempt to restore while I break down the rest for parts or
> just trash them.  One common problem is old decals need to go and some
> of the old striping / detailing tape needs to go.  Is there an easy
> way of getting this stuff off without destroying the models?

If I were you, I'd pick one and preserve it the way it was built.  It's
a convenient way to see where you came from and how far along you have
gotten.
I'm keeping one that I built in '65 the way it is.  I have only pieces
from anything earlier.

Bill Banaszak, MFE Sr.
Count DeMoney - 08 Jan 2008 19:15 GMT
Bill,

I agree with you and have kept several built kits, just as they are,
that are pushing 40 years old.  Most of those couldn't be built again
simply because they haven't been available for many years.

There are a few that I am struggling with.  There are a couple of Ford
GT's, a Shelby Cobra and a Mercury Cougar that was produced in a
metallic red color, etc. that are in pretty good shape (considering
how young I was when I built them).  If I can get the old decals and
partially attached pinstripe tape off, they would look pretty good (:>
Mad-Modeller - 09 Jan 2008 05:04 GMT
> Bill,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> how young I was when I built them).  If I can get the old decals and
> partially attached pinstripe tape off, they would look pretty good (:>

Ah, a metallic red Cougar.  Has to be the annual '73 kit.  I built one
years ago and left the plastic colour showing.  It must have been sold
in the '77 sell-off.

Bill Banaszak, MFE Sr.
PaPaPeng - 08 Jan 2008 23:15 GMT
>I'm 3/4 of the way through dealing with the really old built kits that
>have been hiding in boxes for 30 or more years.  There are a few that
>I want to attempt to restore while I break down the rest for parts or
>just trash them.  One common problem is old decals need to go and some
>of the old striping / detailing tape needs to go.  Is there an easy
>way of getting this stuff off without destroying the models?

Soak it in a bucket of water over several days.  The decals will
usually come off by themselves or become soft and brittle enough to
rub off with an old scotbrite pad (old=less scratches).
 
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