Removing decals

[Windymiller]

I've just picked up a UT Models model of an E36 M3, and as sad as it sounds, I'd like to make it look like mine...

So, how do I remove all of the decals? Thinners? They aren't peelable.





ps, the real one's the bottom one

[Eric Mc]

Are they waterslide decals?

[Windymiller]

Think they're painted on actually. Any idea what I can use to strip the paint off one of these?

[Eric Mc]

Sandpaper - wet and dry.

Rub the car down to the metal, polish it up, prime it, respray it in the desired colours and apply new decals.

[Red Firecracker]

Before you go that far, try polishing it with metal polish, such as Autosol, with a Q-Tip. Don't rub too hard, but a metal polish is normally sufficient with a bit of patince to remove tampo printed decals.

[thebigmacmoomin]

I use nail varnish remover pads from boots. Must be Acetone Free. Have also used brake fluid in the past.

Edited by thebigmacmoomin on Thursday 16th December 19:23

[Windymiller]

Will give it a try... damm this scale model thing is addictive. I only got my first a week ago...



Plus I've got a Z8, Merc CLK-DTM, Bug EB 110, 993 Carerra GT, 320 Teile Touring Car, and GT-kitted 4-door 318 on their way...

[Windymiller]

Er, can't seem to stop buying these things!



Load more in the post as well....

[Evangelion]

Nail varnish remover on a cotton bud. Have frequently used it to get the markings off Corgi airxraft when I wanted to redecal them in different markings. Take your time and don't rub too hard - I found it left some paint colours unharmed but tried to remove others. On a Britannia for example the white fuselage top was left mainly intact but all the silver came straight off; this was easy to mask and respray. Where a little of the white came off I just touched it back in with a small brush.

Waterslide decals are much easier than tampo printing - just dump the whole thig in warm soapy water for about half an hour (not too hot if there are plastic parts!). If you are just taking one or two decals off - race numbers or driver's name for example - then it will take a bit more time and a small brush. Decal softening solution helps too.

[Meoricin]

Windymiller said:

Er, can't seem to stop buying these things!



Load more in the post as well....

Where did you get those shelves? How much? They look like exactly what I need.

[Yertis]

Meoricin said:

Where did you get those shelves? How much? They look like exactly what I need.

Yes I was thinking that too, I would probably get way with those.

[Red Firecracker]

Ikea I believe. They've stopped selling them.

[Windymiller]

Yup. Old Ikea ones unfortunately. Like you say, perfect!

[Windymiller]

Bugger. Can't seem to stop buying these bloody things!