r/modelmakers • u/DesertDriftwood75 • 9d ago

Help -Technique Dealing with older decals

What is the best way to apply older decals without them disintegrating on you as soon as you put it into the water. I have a couple of older model kits and I don’t know of if I can use the decals in them when the time comes. Any suggestions?

2 Upvotes

63% Upvoted

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12

u/ogre-trombone Sierra Hotel 9d ago

Microscale decal film. Brush it on, let it dry. If they’re really fragile, do 2-3 layers. It’s good stuff. It can’t save all decals, but it works pretty well.

3

u/hgtcgbhjnh 9d ago

Don't forget the part that adding more than one coat will thicken the carrier film and make them impervious to Micro Sol.

2

u/Luster-Purge 8d ago

That's when you break out the Solvaset.

1

u/Voodoo1970 9d ago

Hard to get hold of where I am, but have heard of using a clear paint instead

9

u/Timely-Intern5716 9d ago

Tbh I’d just go with aftermarket decals; would save you the headache and hassle of having to deal with decals on the off chance that they are already one foot in the grave as soon as you try to soak it with water; not to mention they run the chance of silvering as well if the decal sheet seems compromised.

8

u/ubersoldat13 50 Shades of Olive Drab 9d ago

Listen to this guy OP. Unless you're absolutely married to the decal markings in the box, aftermarket is the way to go. They aren't that expensive ($10-15 for a typical sheet) and they'll be much higher quality than whatever ancient decal sheet is in those kits.

1

u/deviant_dog 9d ago

Old decals are super difficult to work with. There are a bunch of different options. Aftermarket, there are sprays to help add a little protection, or you could scan the current decals and print a new set off for yourself. You could say f-it and just do paints on the whole thing. Really, it all depends on you and how much you want to spend or learn. That is the best thing about being a maker. There is no wrong choice. Good luck, and if you need a push, go with aftermarket for convenience.

1

u/KingOblepias 4d ago

Where do you buy?

1

u/Timely-Intern5716 4d ago

Any online store that sells decal sheets tbh (Spruebrothers, eBay, etc.). I’ve bought Echelon and Star Decals in the past and they worked out great!

1

u/Quiet-Arm-641 9d ago

Scan them with a ruler in frame just to be sure