Update on my build (my purgatory). I am building a MPC (Airfix) 1/600 USS Forrestal for a friend who was on the commissioning cruise (First model in 25 years). After I painted the deck and ALL the lines (Flat Paint) I clear coated the deck (Testors GlossCoat in a can over flat paint) to apply the 4 elevator striping and the ship's number decals. The decals (besides OLD) are thick and the back is (the adhesive?) coated with a thick milky film. I had to let the decal slide of the paper while still in the water and gently wash it off with a soft brush. I did this as the first one I applied to the superstructure was discolored by the this (I think). The decals are so thick that they can handle it. I applied them and tried 2 different decal solvents. One worked great (Testors) and the other caused the decal to really shivel up Solvaset). After the initial panic i was able to wash and reset that decal to a acceptable set. I never had a problem with Solvaset so maybe I panicked to early.
Today, as I wandered to "Das Boot" as I call it I was going to clear coat (Testors Dullcoat in a can) the finished deck. I was apprehensive as to the age of the decals and the fact it's been so long since I did this. I was unfortunatley rewarded for my concerns. The decals almost immediately started to shrivel and bubble up off the deck. Fantically I took a x-acto knife and some water and began trying to save them. With some surgery and foul language (it IS a Navy ship) I thought I got them to behave somewhat. The older gentleman I am building this for (76 years old) will be more than happy with the results, BUT I AM NOT. I thought I was okay, but, no, the decals were still silvery and now due to my continual decal sterilization the decals are not adhered to the deck ( I know as I tried to trim the excess film with a e-xacto knife.
I am beside my self and have imprints of my keyboard on my forehead. I don't know what to due. Buy frisket paper and try to paint the numbers on and the elevator stripes. Do I find a Starfighter decal sheet ($25.00) and try again. My buddy id going to be 77 soon and would like it done while he is still vertical.
Any help or comment to help me now or in the future will be appreciated.
I also realize that a more experienced modeller could have forseen all this and used different methods to prevent my grief.