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Doh! Soaked a full decal sheet...

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  • Member since
    January 2016
Doh! Soaked a full decal sheet...
Posted by Liquid Magma on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 2:43 PM

The other day I accidentally knocked over a cup full of water on my bench and thoroughly soaked everything out, including a full sheet of decals. I carefully picked up the sheet and laid it flat on a paper towel to dry then proceded to clean the rest of my mess.

Has anyone tried applying decals after they were fully wet once prior? I'm guessing there should be little difference if the glue did not get too diluted. Or should I start looking for an after market set to replace them?

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 2:59 PM

Nope you are cooked.

But, scan the sheet and print it on clear decal paper.

 

Per advice way back from Don, I've taken to scanning all of my new decal sheets and saving the files. It's really a useful thing. The results aren't quite the same, but get pretty close, and weatering takes care of the rest.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    March 2003
  • From: Western North Carolina
Posted by Tojo72 on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 7:09 PM

I once did the same thing with my bottle of Micro Set

  • Member since
    January 2013
Posted by BlackSheepTwoOneFour on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 9:47 PM

Nope. It's already a lost cause. Time to find replacement decals. Try contacting the kit manufacturer in an email explaining what happened along with a photo (for proof). Hopefully they can send you a replacement.

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Thursday, May 26, 2016 9:33 AM

One problem is that the adhesive floats away. If you can soak the decals free again, you can brush the back side of the decal with a thinned white glue as an attempt to get them to stick.  When I do that (which only occasionally works) I also then apply decal solvent to help the decal adhere.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    September 2009
Posted by Cobra 427 on Friday, May 27, 2016 11:34 AM

GMorrison

Nope you are cooked.

 

 

 

No - not true with the older decals. I don't know about the new ones as far as the glue strength, but back in the day you could dry them out and use them anyway.

 

BlackSheepTwoOneFour

Nope. It's already a lost cause.

 

The same thing as I said before: this isn't always the case.

 

Don Stauffer

One problem is that the adhesive floats away.

Come on, now. You can't be serious! The glue doesn't just FLOAT AWAY! It stays on the back of the sheet. What happens is the activator (water) releases the decals from the sheet itself. However, if they don't rise up from the paper you can still use them. It may be a little more time for them to release, but as long as the glue itself wasn't washed away along with the decal film it will still be intact. I've done this before, I've never had a problem with them sticking to any surface. I've been doing this as long as you guys have, or at least just about as long as our oldest members have. You should know that the glue needs to be completely removed from the sheet before you have a problem with adhesion. I don't know about modern decals as it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. No model company makes their own decals - this is something that a SILKSCREEN company makes for them, so it depends on what type of glue, and the process that they use for their decals. Are they all one film, separate, or have sections that need to be cut apart? These are all things that you have to consider. Just cut one off, and see if you can get it to glue to the surface. I've applied Elmers' glue to them before to get them to stick (just to be safe). Try it. If it sticks to the surface when it dries spray clearcoat over it to seal it permanently. That's my advice, and I'm sticking to it!

~ Cobra Chris

 

 

 

Maybe a picture of a squirrel playing a harmonica will make you feel better?

 

 

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Friday, May 27, 2016 6:54 PM

Cut one or two from the sheet and test them out. The glue may have washed away, or it may not have. If not, and the test sample works, or has weak glue remaining, you can apply the declas with Future once they are positioned where you want on the model.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: providence ,r.i.
Posted by templar1099 on Saturday, May 28, 2016 4:40 AM

HOT water and a drop of detergent may help,if you try to salvage them.

"le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile"

  • Member since
    January 2016
Posted by Liquid Magma on Monday, June 6, 2016 9:58 PM

I tested one on the model. Took rather long to get the decal to come off the paper and after drying it peeled itself up. Guess the adhesive is shot. I could try the white glue trick, but might just get an after market set to replace them. Thanks all!

  • Member since
    July 2013
  • From: Chicago area
Posted by modelmaker66 on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 1:00 AM

If the decal had no adhesive you use future to adhere it. Add a little to the kit, set the decal on it, wipe up any excess, and bob's you uncle!

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 1:10 AM

GMorrison

Nope you are cooked.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    December 2015
  • From: providence ,r.i.
Posted by templar1099 on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 4:30 AM

GMorrison
 
GMorrison

Nope you are cooked.

 

 

 



Agree. I think if you did manage to adhere them they'd silver right up.

"le plaisir delicieux et toujours nouveau d'une occupation inutile"

  • Member since
    January 2016
Posted by Liquid Magma on Thursday, June 9, 2016 8:36 PM

I tested one on the model. Took rather long to get the decal to come off the paper and after drying it peeled itself up. Guess the adhesive is shot. I could try the white glue trick, but might just get an after market set to replace them. Thanks all!

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