REMOVING DECALS

[SCHWEREPANZER]

Hi All,

Once again, I turn to the vast font of knowledge that resides herein. Is there a way to chemically remove decals without damaging the acrylic paint beneath? The decals have been on the tank for quite a while.

I found this Tamiya Tiger II a good while back. I do not believe a varnish coat had been applied either before or after the model was painted. The paints are Tamiya acrylics. I want to change the tactical numbers to something a bit more interesting.

Here's what I'm dealing with:

Thanks chaps

[brizo58]

Hi,
I always use sellotape or masking tape.Decal comes off and doesn’t touch the paint work. Brian...

[Estnische]

I fear anything more severe than soap and water will also remove paint. Meth spirits certainly will remove acrylic paint. As I type this I wonder if soaking it with decal fix will soften it?

[Rad_Schuhart]

Years ago, when I was starting in the hobby I had the bad idea of running my sherman over mud. Then I wanted to clean it, so I run it in the bath tube with 4-5mm of hot water.

The water vapour was enough for stripping all the decals to my horror...

Then I had the glorious idea of making my custom stencils

[43rdRecceReg]

Years ago, when I was starting in the hobby I had the bad idea of running my sherman over mud. Then I wanted to clean it, so I run it in the bath tube with 4-5mm of hot water.

The water vapour was enough for stripping all the decals to my horror...

Then I had the glorious idea of making my custom stencils

Good thing you didn't use a Jetwash, Rad!
As for your amazing stencils, I guess that removing the residual markings from stencil applications would involve using some sort of mild acrylic stripper.
Coincidentally, when posting a video of Humbrol's Decalfix, I noted that one of the comments below:
"..Strips your Tamiya acylic paint beautifully..."
I tried it and- with vigorous use of cotton bud it can remove acrylics. Thus, it might also remove- or at least soften an unwanted decal.
Collateral damage looks the likely outcome of any removal process, but the sellotape trick might work...but only if a strong fixative wasn't used on the decal.

[General Jumbo01]

I kinda like the number and it's lightly weathered finish. Do you know which decal manufacturer made it as they may be able to advise. Whatever you do, you may have to refinish the paintwork. Best if luck.

[SCHWEREPANZER]

Well chaps, it seems that this matter needs to be approached rather tentatively. Thanks for your thoughts on this. Luckily, the matter falls into the 'non-crucial' must-do category, but I think a little warm water soaked in with a sponge will be a starting point. As to the General's question, no I don't know the manufacturer, but I suspect it's from Archer and accordingly a brief note to them might be in order. Good suggestion.

Thanks all.

[Rad_Schuhart]

As for your amazing stencils, I guess that removing the residual markings from stencil applications would involve using some sort of mild acrylic stripper.

Nope, there is no need of any acrylic stripper, neither tap water, neither your fingers. My masks leave absolutelly 0 residue in the model.
If you mean spraying outside of the stencil and staining the model, well, there is why I did the step by step tutorial in my website, to propper mask the model to prevent that https://radindustries.wordpress.com/201 ... /stencils/

It might look like a lot of job, but the decals with all the things that you have to put in the model are way more time consumming... And most important, you dont have a model customized to your taste and the "transparent" areas of the decal absolutely ruin the model... At least to my eye... So I never use decals unless it is a very intrincate and multicolour design.

[Jnewboy]

I kinda like the number and it's lightly weathered finish. Do you know which decal manufacturer made it as they may be able to advise. Whatever you do, you may have to refinish the paintwork. Best if luck.

I agree, they look nice and old, I think they look better than the paint!

I would get a fine sanding sponge, 320+ and some warm water. scrub gently in circles and hum a little tune, the decal will erode and come away. If you dont know what I mean look up "wet sanding" on YouTube