Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: wicker on October 20, 2015, 05:21:10 pm

Title: decal removal
Post by: wicker on October 20, 2015, 05:21:10 pm

Can anyone suggest a way of removing the numbers etc of a lifeboat or will it have to be repainted

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: Arrow5 on October 20, 2015, 05:46:51 pm

 Are they waterslide transfers ?   If so , and they haven't been varnished, then application of Micro Sol will soften them without disturbing the base paint.  Available from most plastic type model shops.  If it is just numbers then i`m sure a scale repaint of the area would be acceptable.

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: wicker on October 20, 2015, 06:17:28 pm

thanks for that will have a closer look at it tomorrow--its a trent lifeboat I bought at the Blackpool show and I want to change the number and name

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: mrzippy on October 20, 2015, 07:20:46 pm

If the numbers are stick on vinyl - liquid lighter fluid (Ronsonol etc) in a squirty nozzle tin (not aerosol) available from your local newsagent/off license will soften the glue enabling the lettering to be removed, then used to remove the remaining gooey mess, it evaporates away in seconds.

Test on the hull surface before starting the job to be sure, usually it is ok on painted or gel coat surfaces -
lighter fluid is standard issue in graphics industry, I've used gallons of the stuff throughout my working career.

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: smudger1309 on January 12, 2016, 01:13:18 am

i have changed few of my lifeboats  my 1:12th arun, severn and tyne and rother,   what i did as decals were mainly from barrys.  i used small modelers knife to get the edge of number or letters,  once i did that then i slowly pulled them off without taking any of the paint off,  never pull thme stright off or you will take the paint

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: derekwarner on January 12, 2016, 04:10:57 am

If you can raise one section of edge...... a gentle spray with WD40 or RP7 will dissolve acrylic or butyl adhesive  :P.....leave for 12 hours.......then lift the loosened section ...repeat until completed

Be very careful & wash the areas affected areas with repeated warm water & kitchen detergent prior to any further work on these areas..........P ..... Derek

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 12, 2016, 11:06:13 am

 
Also, try a hair-drier. Careful not to overheat the hull if it's a plastic.

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: wicker on January 15, 2016, 07:38:08 am

Thanks for all your advice - job now done

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: BFSMP on January 15, 2016, 03:45:49 pm

But please tell us Wicker. Which method did you eventually use.

Thank you.

Jim.

Title: Re: decal removal
Post by: wicker on January 15, 2016, 05:05:13 pm

Just took the easy way out sanded down and repainted