Question : Removing Decals

You could try micro set and see if that takes them off or at least loosens them up. Hot water might do pretty good to. If your going to strip the paint you could just use to lacquer thinner, it will eat the decals and the paint right off of it!

Sometimes leaving a hot damp cloth on the decal will loosen it up. It might take awhile or even a few times of getting the cloth wet under the hot water.

If that doesn't work, you can try a product called GOOF-OFF. You can find it at Wal*Mart, in there hardware/paint section and hardware stores. Use it cautiously. It is meant for taking marks, glue from tape, and other junk off of painted walls and such, but if you rub too hard and long it will start to work through the paint (water based latex). Enamel paint seems to hold up better than water based paints. But it can dull the area that your rubbing if your not careful. But just buff it back out and wax.

Thanks for the info.

 

Howard

besides GOOF-OFF there is another product from Floquil/Testors I can't remember the name but it's used for models to strip, it'll get rid of the decals but you have to use very little because it also will strip paint off if left on to long

eizzle wrote:

You could try micro set and see if that takes them off or at least loosens them up. Hot water might do pretty good to. If your going to strip the paint you could just use to lacquer thinner, it will eat the decals and the paint right off of it!

I believe that I read this in Fine Scale Modeler.  If the decals are water-slide decals simply take a piece of scotch tape and place it completely/firmly over the decal. Then...simply remove the tape.  I have done this before and it works great. If a piece of decal remains simply repeat the process.

Stretch5

 

 

Sometimes the markings are tamp printed which is a type of ink. In that case, stripping and repainting the car is the only way to go.

Sandblasting. 

 

If that doesn't work, dip the cars in acid for about three hours.  The decals will be gone - I promise.

AndyMarks wrote:

Sandblasting.    If that doesn't work, dip the cars in acid for about three hours.  The decals will be gone - I promise.

You're a genious. And a big help, too. Thanks.

I tried that GOOF-OFF product once. Accidently spilled some on my skin and next thing I knew I was sitting around, drinking beer and talking about hockey. Be very careful with stuff like that!

All kidding aside, if you're trying to save the decals, try Micro Sol, but if you don't care use a fairly strong masking tape.