Removing decal glue

[majel]

What is the best, safest way to remove decal glue spots from a body painted with acrylic  paint?  I tried soap and water but that didn't work.

Edited November 21, 2018 by majel

[Snake45]

Try hot running water (tapwater hot) and a thumbnail.

I hesitate to suggest any sort of chemical, as chemicals as mild as rubbing alcohol and Windex (ammonia) can damage or remove some acrylics. 

[peteski]

Decal glue is water-soluble. So if it was just glue, it should have come off with just some warm water and gentle rubbing.  I wonder if what you are describing is leftover clear decal film (with the glue underneath it)?  If that is the case, you cold try lifting the clear film using a piece of masking tape. Just press it against the spot and lift it.

The other possibility could be that the decal was applied using a decal setting solution which not only softened the decal, but also the paint underneath it. If that is the case then the flaw is in the paint. Then you would have to try sanding it, then polishing.

[majel]

I think it was the setting solution, I used Micro-Sol and I think I got it past the decal and it discolored the paint.  Never knew it would do that, live and learn i guess.

[peteski]

Micro-Sol is alcohol based so it can attach painted surfaces. Micro-Set is acetic-acid (vinegar) based and usually safe for solvent-based hobby paints.  Or is it the other way around?  Just go by smell. If it smells like vinegar, it is the milder solution.

Edited November 27, 2018 by peteski