What is the easiest way to remove decals from plastic models without having to paint the whole model? I’m trying to renumber a few box cars and a tender and locomotive.
DON"T use an eraser. Try a bit of Micro Sol one one corner of one decal and see if it softens it enough to have the decal start moving.
If I could inquire, you do have a decal? This is not a pad printed commercial loco? Commercial locos don't usually have decals.
Fotheringill is certainly correct about removing decals. I think it would be difficult and have never tried it. If the numbers are pad printed, you can use any "eraser-like" item that is fine abrasive. A pencil eraser will possibly work, depending on the pencil. You can also scrape it off with the edge of a hobby knife. I use an alcohol cotton swab. Be careful of the paint below the printing. I will search for several threads on this subject. [edit] Alcohol method. Eraser, toothpaste, alcohol. Seems like there should be more threads?
Thanks all for the help. I tried the eraser and auto polish method this weekend and it worked great. I couldn't get the alcohol method to work without removing some of the underlying paint as well. I think I've got the process down smoothly enough to try it on one of the models I’m trying to renumber. Thanks again.
I just tried micro-sol and alcohol on my Proto 2000 0-8-0, the micro-sol did nothing and the alcohol seemed to be more interested in the underlying paint. I guess it is on to the eraser and paste.
