Slixx or Powerslide?

[LL3 Model Worx]

I've got 3 Nascar kits id like to build.

1.Monogram 88' Dale Earnhardt Monte Carlo

2. Revell 2000 Dale Earnhardt

3. 1995 AMT Mark Martin thunderbird.

 

Admittedly the AMT kit isn't the greatest in some ways, but it's not mine... I just want it to look as good as possible.

Was just wondering who offers the best decals for each car... and perhaps its not a case of better as much as it is the differences between them ? 

Edited October 24, 2022 by LL3 Model Worx

[bbowser]

Is there a problem with the kit decals?

[LL3 Model Worx]

They are all kinda faded out and yellowed.... the boxes and plastic are all in perfect condition, but the decals just aged out I guess?

There's a chance they could still be usable and the paper is just yellow, but I'm guessing they will disintegrate when I go to use them... I'd rather have some on hand that I know will work.

[Horrorshow]

I prefer Powerslide, never had a problem. I have purchased two sheets of Slixx, both came with warnings to use a decal restorer due to their age. One set went on great, the other, which I got only for the numbers, did not. They broke, one is extremely wrinkled. 
I’m interested to hear other comments 

[LL3 Model Worx]

2 minutes ago, Horrorshow said:

I prefer Powerslide, never had a problem. I have purchased two sheets of Slixx, both came with warnings to use a decal restorer due to their age. One set went on great, the other, which I got only for the numbers, did not. They broke, one is extremely wrinkled. 
I’m interested to hear other comments 

Good to know. Thanks for the info!

It may just boil down to what I can find...

I'm guessing Slixx printed everything a long time ago? I'm curiouse about that story... what's up with that?

[Mark]

Slixx hasn't printed NASCAR decals in many years.  I believe NASCAR wanted licensing for itself, on top of Slixx having to pay royalties and/or get permission from individual teams, sponsors, and/or drivers.

[LL3 Model Worx]

25 minutes ago, Mark said:

Slixx hasn't printed NASCAR decals in many years.  I believe NASCAR wanted licensing for itself, on top of Slixx having to pay royalties and/or get permission from individual teams, sponsors, and/or drivers.

That makes alot of sense, I should have known it was something like that to be honest...

 

 

[Mopar maniac 74]

Remember the amt kit is 1/25 scale and pretty much all decal kits are 1/24 so the numbers and logos will probably work may still be a little large for the mark Martin but the stripes will definitely be different

[LL3 Model Worx]

1 hour ago, Mopar maniac 74 said:

Remember the amt kit is 1/25 scale and pretty much all decal kits are 1/24 so the numbers and logos will probably work may still be a little large for the mark Martin but the stripes will definitely be different

Ya know... I hadn't thought about that. I'm so glad you mentioned it!

I may just have to spray the kit decals and try to restore them enough and roll the dice.

[Bainford]

2 hours ago, LL3 Model Worx said:

Ya know... I hadn't thought about that. I'm so glad you mentioned it!

I may just have to spray the kit decals and try to restore them enough and roll the dice.

If you do find a source for a decent set of Mark Martin mid-90s decals, be sure to post your find here. I've been looking for a set for the AMT kit also. 

[LL3 Model Worx]

11 minutes ago, Bainford said:

If you do find a source for a decent set of Mark Martin mid-90s decals, be sure to post your find here. I've been looking for a set for the AMT kit also. 

I will indeed sir.

[espo]

There have been several suggestions on the Forum by builders that have worked with older kit decals. There are several different simple things that can be done and save the original decals. None of them cost much more than your time. I used the original decals from a 1970's BRE Racing Datsun 510 and while working with them I was very close to giving up, but when finished they worked great, and you wouldn't know they were that old. 

[LL3 Model Worx]

57 minutes ago, espo said:

There have been several suggestions on the Forum by builders that have worked with older kit decals. There are several different simple things that can be done and save the original decals. None of them cost much more than your time. I used the original decals from a 1970's BRE Racing Datsun 510 and while working with them I was very close to giving up, but when finished they worked great, and you wouldn't know they were that old. 

Yea, it's looking like I'll be taking my chances on the originals ? 

[espo]

4 minutes ago, LL3 Model Worx said:

Yea, it's looking like I'll be taking my chances on the originals ? 

Consider spraying the decals with some paint designed to preserve old decals before removing them from the decal sheet. As for the yellowing, I have heard some builders taping them to the inside of a window facing the sun. I haven't tried this, but the builder who suggested it said it worked for him. The problem I encountered was what I felt was the "glue" on the decal turned to something resembling brown mud. I used wetted Q-Tips to remove the residue and they seemed to lay down with just a touch of Solvaset using a clean paint brush. After they have dried for a day or so I lightly went over the decals with clean water on a paper towel and again allowed to dry. This removed any remaining Solvaset and any other residue. The Solvaset can leave a residue that shows up when you spray the clear. Covered everything with Tamiya TS13 Clear. I waited about half an hour to give it a second coat. My concern was that the decals may not have enough of the original adhesive to get the decals to stick and the clear would bond them to the body and protect them later. 

[LL3 Model Worx]

I may give that a shot. My plan is to test one of the none important pieces and see how it behaves and then go from there.

When I ever get to that point I'll show you how it turns out.