Older decal sheets

[kenton44]

Forgot I had this kit in my stash for atleast a decade.

Anyway , ive never had good luck with older decals ( these are from ‘74), they always seem to fall apart in water.

Is the a product that I can use to keep these decals in 1 pc?

 

[peteski]

Yes, Microscale Liquid Decal Film. It brushes on very thin - I put 3-4 coats to make sure the decal stays together.

Edited August 23 by peteski

[kenton44]

Thanks I’ll give that a try!!

[Shark]

Good product. After it dries, you need to trim close to the decal as this creates a clear film.

[Mike 1017]

I have used Waterslide Decal paper to make copies of decals on my Ink-Jet printer. I would make a couple of copies before I tried using the originals. Just in case.

Good Luck

Mike

[thatz4u]

I spray them with Tamiya clear, dry overnight, cut close to decal & use

[TonyK]

That's what I've done too.

[Straightliner59]

15 hours ago, peteski said:

Yes, Microscale Liquid Decal Film. It brushes on very thin - I put 3-4 coats to make sure the decal stays together.

That's the stuff! It's worked great for forty years, or so.

[Horrorshow]

On 8/23/2025 at 8:43 AM, peteski said:

Yes, Microscale Liquid Decal Film. It brushes on very thin - I put 3-4 coats to make sure the decal stays together.

This stuff made some silver run. Decals were purchased on EBAY and manufacturer was unknown.

[peteski]

If the decals were printed on an Alps printer which uses a waxy waterproof ink (which is likely since they have metallic silver color), solvents like alcohol (Microscale stuff  is alcohol based) can dissolve the ink.  I'm curious why were you applying the liquid decal film to that decal?  Was the original clear film cracking?

The liquid decal film will not attack any commercially made decals (printed using silk-screen or offset printing methods).

[SfanGoch]

The problem with Microscle Liquid Decal Film is that it can soak through some decal papers, making it somewhat difficult to remove the decals after soaking them in warm water. You can also use Krylon COLORmaxx Acrylic Crystal Clear. It's more durable.

Spray a few light mist coats, let dry and cut the individual decals. You can use Micro Sol and/or Micro Set or any other decal setting products.

[rattle can man]

I have used all of these suggestions successfully. But, I scan the decal sheet before applying anything just in case there is a reaction. Just an ounce of prevention.

[Horrorshow]

7 hours ago, peteski said:

If the decals were printed on an Alps printer which uses a waxy waterproof ink (which is likely since they have metallic silver color), solvents like alcohol (Microscale stuff  is alcohol based) can dissolve the ink.  I'm curious why were you applying the liquid decal film to that decal?  Was the original clear film cracking?

The liquid decal film will not attack any commercially made decals (printed using silk-screen or offset printing methods).

I first tried to apply some silver pin stripe decals, they broke, I figured the sheet was old so I applied the Micro Sol to the rest of the sheet, there was only a reaction on the silver.