Wrinkled Decals in the Box

Hi Chris,  to the Forums. If it were me, I would try to use them if they`re still in good shape other than the edges. When you say "wrinkled" do you mean water damage? If the decals got wet at some point , I`d have to say they`re "toast". If they just got roughed up a little they may still work. I don`t buy aftermarket decals usually so I try my best to use what comes in the box. Can you post a picture of the decal sheet? Might be easier to help if we could see what you`re working with.

Len

Hi Len,

The decals were still in their shrink wrap bag so I am not sure about water damage. Hard to see in the photo, but part of the decals are matt and other parts are gloss.

Chris.... Two things I can think of...you could get some decal bond spray..Testor`s makes it and others. Spray it on the decal side only, if you get it on both sides of the decal paper, the decal will never seperate from it`s backing. You also have to cut the decals, trimming very closely because the bonder bonds the entire surface of the sheet together. I`m thinking those wrinkles will fragment into a million pieces once placed in water, that`s why I`d go with the bonder. Most acrylic clear coat sprays will work too. Even heard of someone using Future floor wax to bond their decal sheet but never tried it myself.

The other option is to roll thedice...try one of the decals as you normally would. If you have a few options for markings, use a decal you don`t plan on using for your kit as a "Guinnea pig" to see what`s going to happen. If it fragments in water, you`ll know for sure you`ll have to use a bonder.

There`s always # C...the aftermarket...

Whatever you decide, good luck!

Len

P.S.    You may want to post this question in the "General Modelling" forum...don`t know how much traffic this "Decaling" forum sees...you may get more, and better tips than my offerings...lol!

...just popped into my head. You could also try contacting Dragon USA... Dragon Care....They replaced decals for a Ju-188 that were in a similar state as yours. They probably will want you to send them your decals first...that`s what happened with me. They told me they wanted the old ones to inspect them so they can prevent this from happening in the future. I would try tis 1st, before spraying bonder on them and then have to send them in...might give you grief.

That`s really all I got...LOL!

Len

Looks like it's mostly the tail decals.... Being simple black stripes you could try em out on your model and go for masking and spraying the stripes yourself when it turns out the decals aren't usable? Or...better even... forget about the decals and do it yourself.

Richard