charlie8575 Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 I've acquired a few old annuals with decals applied directly to bare plastic. I've read in various places that water may or may not work. What do you like to use for safe decal removal that is not sanding? Charlie Larkin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1972coronet Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Just an untested theory here : Apply some decal setting solution to the decals --- maybe that'll soften them enough to rub them off ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie8575 Posted June 26, 2020 Author Share Posted June 26, 2020 5 minutes ago, 1972coronet said: Just an untested theory here : Apply some decal setting solution to the decals --- maybe that'll soften them enough to rub them off ? Not a bad idea. Easy, reasonably safe to apply. I'd be willing to try it on a couple and see what happens. Charlie Larkin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1972coronet Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 I'd imagine that , the more-aggressive the solution ( i.e. , solution for surfaces with compound curves , small details , etc. ) , the better the potential results . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stitchdup Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 A fairly mild abrasive cleaner (on this side of the pond its called cif) and someone elsesonly leaves very mild scratching on the surface (or an old one, lol) toothbrush. It can then be polished back to smooth plastic fairly quickly as it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul alflen Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 AFTER YOU STRIP THE CHROME DROP IT IN THE PURPLE POND! IT REMOVES THE DECALS AND ALSO CLEANS UP THE OLD PLASTIC! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake45 Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 I discovered last year that scraping with a thumbnail under hot running water works very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TarheelRick Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Haven't tried it in years but I used to use plain old masking tape pressed down firmly then pulled off. It removed most of the decal and after a couple applications all but the tiniest pieces in recesses and panel lines were removed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCRWDRVR Posted June 26, 2020 Share Posted June 26, 2020 Micro Set says decal remover on the bottle but I think the Micro Sol works faster. 2 hours ago, Snake45 said: I discovered last year that scraping with a thumbnail under hot running water works very well. I can see where that would work well... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike 1017 Posted June 27, 2020 Share Posted June 27, 2020 I use plain old Scotch Tape. Sometimes just laying it down on the decal with no pressure will pull it off . Use minimum pressure on the tape and pull off Slowly !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteski Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 If on bare plastic, then Snake's method works well (under warm water scrape with a fingernail, or even a stiff bristle brush). Also, any of the decal setting solutions will soften the clear film without attackign plastic. Masking or Scotch tape should also work, and since there is no paint there, no worries about lifting the paint with the decal. Waterslide decal is simply thin plastic film, which clings to the surface it is applied to. While there will be some water-soluble glue under it, the glue itself is not the main thing that holds the decal on the surface. If I was going to do this, I would first use the masking tape technique. Then, if some film is still left on the model, I would use the warm water and scraping technique. If that still doesn't get it all off, I would use the decal setting solution technique. At this point, the decal should be completely removed. But if some decal is still remaining, I have an ace up my sleeve: I would rub the remaining film with a paper towel or a rag moistened with some 99% IPA (Isopropyl alcohol). 91%will likely work too. And alcohol should not affect styrene. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bucky Posted June 28, 2020 Share Posted June 28, 2020 Good info, guys, as I have some old annual window units to remove decals from. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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