What if

General Modelling Forum => Tips, Tools, and Techniques => Topic started by: Geoff on June 06, 2016, 06:02:44 AM

Title: Old decals/transfers
Post by: Geoff on June 06, 2016, 06:02:44 AM
I don't know if this has been done here I suspect it might but -

Empyying the shed and found a model I want to do an AB-204. Decals are in a right state and have obviously got wet/dry/wet/dry over a long time, (years). Some have come off the backing, but the one I want to use is still there. However it looks horrible with the surrounding film "dirty" and stained. Any ideas? I was thinking Kleer/Future etc???
Title: Re: Old decals/transfers
Post by: NARSES2 on June 06, 2016, 06:10:40 AM
Sellotape it to a window for a day or two. For some reason sunlight seems to clear up any yellowing. (someone on here will probably know the science) and then coat in Future/Klear
Title: Re: Old decals/transfers
Post by: Dizzyfugu on June 06, 2016, 06:31:48 AM
Sheer sunlight works well on yellowed decals (UV light has some aggressive side effects...), also on yellowed clear/vacu parts. But that might take more than just one or two days. You just have to check if it's truly the carrier film or the decal adhesive, which can also yellow considerably if it catches humidity.

Beyond the bleaching, MicroSol also offers a very good, dedicated decal protection film, that holds brittle carrier films together. I have used the stuff several times on dubious old decals or decals with a horrible thin carrier film, and it is very effective.
Title: Re: Old decals/transfers
Post by: Geoff on June 06, 2016, 07:23:06 AM
Thanks - I have a nasty feeling it's a combination of adhesive and film. Will give it a go and report back
Title: Re: Old decals/transfers
Post by: NARSES2 on June 07, 2016, 06:30:32 AM
Quote from: Dizzyfugu on June 06, 2016, 06:31:48 AM
also on yellowed clear/vacu parts.

Didn't know that. Cheers Dizzy  :thumbsup: