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[Plastic - RIP]

Hi - I'm building a lot of small Airfix-type models and most are quite old models with tired decal sheets.    Some are disintegrating when whetted and others are falling apart on application and some (old Matchbox) are leaving a scummy residue in the water like it's got Psoriasis          Ick!



Is there any magic way of bringing old decal sheets back to life?   Any spray-on treatment or steaming or any other procedures that people have tried?

[KitS]

A clear varnish coat sprayed oved the sheet will usually stop them falling apart, but then you have to remember to trim the individual items as they're now all under one varnish coat.


Normally I'd recommend Keen Crystal Clear spray, but as it's only available from one UK stockist apparently, and they're bloody minded about where they send it to, I can't recommend it any more.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Microscale has a product or two... 
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MicroScale-Industries-Liquid-Decal-Film/dp/B06XNZ8Y3H

[Colin Bishop]

As Kits says, varnishing over the decals stops them from disintegrating. I used this method on my Revell Queen Mary 2 kit sucessfully.

Colin

[KitS]

I'm about to try out another clear spray, this one from the PAINTfactory range, called 'Clear Protective Top Coat'. (Catchy name, eh?  ) I'll report back.


And they'll send it to addresses that AREN'T the same as the address on your card too. 

[Plastic - RIP]

Cool - thanks guys -       that sounds a good way to keep them together.      Btw - is there any solvent that softens the original inks to make them more coherent?      Sort of softening the base chemicals to make them flexible again.

[KitS]

Not that I've ever heard of, but others may know different of course.


If I have a really screwed up sheet I scan the sheet and then re-print it if at all possible.


Actually I scan ALL my decals before I use them anyway, you never know when the scans may come in handy.......... 

[tigertiger]

I have a question about spray varnish. Will some of them yellow over time?


If so it might be better to scan and print anew.

[colin-d]

is there any solvent that softens the original inks to make them more coherent?      Sort of softening the base chemicals to make them flexible again.

There are loads of decal softeners on the market...!!   I have used Mr Mark softener in the past


Just type "decal soft" in your search machine.. or Google... 

[KitS]

I have a question about spray varnish. Will some of them yellow over time?

If so it might be better to scan and print anew.

That used to be a common problem, but it seems much less now.


I've been using that Keen stuff on 1/144 scale airliner model decals for 15 yrs now, and their white fuselages are still white.

[Plastic - RIP]

I've got some Vallejo decal softener coming in the post   

[Aerodecked]

In the past I've used Johnson Klear which changed into Future which seems to have changed into Pledge multi-surface polish(not quite as good) as a film for keeping the decals together. It goes on a lot thinner than other methods. Also good for dipping the clear parts from models as it makes the plastic appear thinner. Just dip the part, let the excess run off and a wee wipe of the drip. Cover it and let dry for about 48 hours and you should have a nice clear canopy.


If you have yellowing decals, you can try a bit of UV (not much natural UV in the UK just now tho).


Rob

[Ken G121]

Copy the decals and print new ones. You still need varnish to seal these. I use Tamiya TS-80. OK as long as decals do not contain white. You only have one shot at the originals but with copies if it goes wrong you can print more.