A delicate question

[slownlow]

I need to remove a decal from a tissue and balsa wood airplane. The model was painted with dope before acrylic paints were applied, then the decals were applied. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

[Harry P.]

Not gonna happen.

The only way I can see to remove the decal is to apply masking tape and try to "rip" it off... but you'll probably wind up ripping the tissue paper. Since you say acrylic paint was used, then the decal applied on top of that, you might try soaking the decal with some water applied with a brush... maybe that would soften the decal's glue and allow you to scrape or lift it off somehow?

I suggest just painting over it.

[Harry Joy]

Or remove that section of tissue. Use an Xacto to get a clean cut next to the closest stringers, and apply a new piece of tissue and dope.

[slownlow]

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I did have successs in removing the decal without damage to model or decal. I wet a Q tip and kept the decal damp for about 3-4 minuets. Then was able to slowly work a #11 exacto under a corner and then moistened the underside as well as the upper. After a few minuets it was free. I've now reapplied it with the point of the star in the right direction.

[SfanGoch]

You could have used Micro-Sol to soften it and lifted it off with tweezers or a Q-Tip. 

[peteski]

Looks like in this example the decal was applied over flat paint. So, it was barely stuck to the surface, making the removal easy. Most modelers apply decals over glossy surface while also using decal-setting solution. Those are almost impossible to remove. Also there are different thickness of decal film (depending on the manufacturer). The thicker ones woudl be easier to remove than the thin ones.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Nice little P-40. Congrats on getting the decal off without damaging the covering tissue.