Best Practices for Decal Sheets of Unknown Vintage

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I saw the thread about methods preserving decal sheets and felt this additional thread might also be relevant, based on my experience with purchasing decal sheets online through EBay.

I make my own decals to some extent, and in that process, I spray Krylon Gloss Clear Coat on them (3 passes over the printed sheet) to develop a top coat which then enables me to remove them securely from the waterslide backing paper on which they were printed. These self- made decals are sturdy and apply well to the model surface- well, they are freshly-made, after all!

The problem I have arises with purchased commercial decal sheets I need for particular roadnames or in particular colors (such as white), where I am buying online (EBay) and have no clue as to whether that item is one year old or 20 years old. I will soak the decal, only to have it begin to fall apart as I apply it to the model.

I have thought about using the Krylon clear coat spray to develop a protective and durable top coat on these commercial decal sheets, but have been reluctant to do so as of yet.

Has anyone experimented with a process of “strengthening” old decal sheets?

Cedarwoodron

2

I have used Microscale’s Decal Film to cover doubtful decals and homemade decals. It has worked very well so far.

3

Should work. I use a light spray of Testors dull coat or gloss coat.

4

Another option that I use for coating decal sheets is Testors Decal Bonder Spray. It is part of their decal creation system. I now use it on ALPS-printed silver decals that I use for my railroad (Silver lettering on MEC Green engines and cars).