How Does One Clean Residue From Decals?

[Chillyb1]

Is there an easy way to clean residue left behind by application of MicroSol/MicroSet from decals? Maybe it is just me, but I find that there is always stuff on my decals after I apply them and that I can't get it off. I'm afraid of ruining the decals so maybe I don't try very hard. Warm soapy water doesn't seem to do the job.

Does everyone have this problem? And, if so, what do you do about it?

[weasel]

i use glass cleaner...

[Chillyb1]

i use glass cleaner...

Do you mean the kind with ammonia in it? Or just any old glass cleaner? I tried some yesterday and I'm not sure it did the job. Do you have to use it several times before it removes residue or does it usually work on the first go 'round?

Anybody else out there have this problem or is it just me and weasel?

[935k3]

You should be able to clean it with warm soapy water. If it doesn't come off it might not be a residue, It might be the decal solvent has attacked the clear carrier on the decal making it look less glossy or different from the rest of the decal. What brand of decal was it? I avoid using solvents. I use a steaming hot damp tissue or cloth pressed over the decal. This makes it conform instantly with no wrinkles and leaves no residue. I only use solvent down in panel lines.

[Chillyb1]

You should be able to clean it with warm soapy water. If it doesn't come off it might not be a residue, It might be the decal solvent has attacked the clear carrier on the decal making it look less glossy or different from the rest of the decal. What brand of decal was it? I avoid using solvents. I use a steaming hot damp tissue or cloth pressed over the decal. This makes it conform instantly with no wrinkles and leaves no residue. I only use solvent down in panel lines.

Thanks, this is good stuff to know. The decals that prompted this thread are Cartograf from the recent reissue of Tamiya's Porsche 962C in Repsol livery. I've had a similar problem in the past using both Solvaset and Microsol on a variety of decals from Tamiya, Studio 27, and others. I'm not sure if I'm just using too much of the stuff and/or not wiping it off soon enough after application or if it is something else. In any event, it seems to me that there should be a way to clean it off, if it isn't decal damage, that is.

How do you keep a damp tissue or cloth "steaming hot" during a decal application session? And how do you keep decals from sticking to the cloth?

[935k3]

Thanks, this is good stuff to know. The decals that prompted this thread are Cartograf from the recent reissue of Tamiya's Porsche 962C in Repsol livery. I've had a similar problem in the past using both Solvaset and Microsol on a variety of decals from Tamiya, Studio 27, and others. I'm not sure if I'm just using too much of the stuff and/or not wiping it off soon enough after application or if it is something else. In any event, it seems to me that there should be a way to clean it off, if it isn't decal damage, that is.

How do you keep a damp tissue or cloth "steaming hot" during a decal application session? And how do you keep decals from sticking to the cloth?

MicroSol and especially Solvaset are to strong for Tamiya,Studio 27 and Cartograf decals. I bought a small electric hot pot at Walmart. I keep the near boiling water by when doing decals. I dip the cloth or tissue in the hot water then damp out the excess water on a paper towel. Making sure the decal is in the proper position then press the decal down. Do not hold it on too long. You can use a Q-tip for small areas.

Edited January 9, 2010 by 935k3

[Chillyb1]

Thanks again, 935k3. Lots of valuable tips there. I really need to improve my ability with decals especially since I really like building rally, Le Mans, and JGTC cars. Each build offers its own set of challenges to my limited modeling skills and I'll try your methods on the next one.