Really Old Decals

WyoDave wrote:

I am probably reviving and old issue here, but would like further advice. I tried this on an old post and don't think anybody noticed. But here goes and it will probably make some laugh. I actually have an old set of 1/72 decals that is a whole sheet of Japanase hinumarus that I had as a kid doing models back in the 60's. Back then I put them on the old Mavis and Emily kits and they have survived rather well on the kits versus others that had the factory decals. I actually found the old sheet of decals about 5 years ago in the attic of my folks' place. Now, I am currently building an Aichi B7A1 Grace in the same scale and would like to use these if they are any good. They were specialty decals even back then and have a nicer deeper richer red color than the bright red meatballs supplied with the kit.  What are the chances these are any good? I haven't tried one yet as I am not ready yet for decaling, but am curious as to the experience of others. They don't seem all dry and cracked or anything.  Are there any tests or obvious ways to tell other than trying one on a painted test surface? How well does the Liquid Decal Film stuff work for restoring old decals? Any thoughts are appreciated. WyoDave The high was 4 degrees today.....warming up!

As a precaution I would give those decals a few light misting coats of Krylon Crystal Clear spray. If they are as old as you say and you still want to use them dont take a chance and use them as they are, spray them first.

Air Master

Thanks AirMaster; I'll give it a try. Seeing as how sheets of hinumarus seem to be hard to come by, it is a worthy pre-caution.   They are indeed as old as the 60's. They were mine when I was a kid back in Massachusetts.  There used to be this dusty little model shop below a bridge overpass in Lowell, Mass that had all kinds of obscure stuff. My Dad found it somehow and we used to go there and peruse. I remember it was stacked high with kits that were hard to find.  Many with instructions entirely in Japanese.   Great fun.

Thanks again;

WyoDave