I know similar topics come up all the time, but they usually seem to apply to removing factory applied graphics from models. I believe that either Scalecoat stripper, ELO, or 91% alcohol are usually recommended for this purpose. However, what I need to do is strip some decals that I applied to a locomotive a long time ago when I had some bogus information on the proper lettering scheme for a particular locomotive at a particular point in time. I’d like to strip and re-letter with minimal damage to the underlying paint.
The original paint is Floquil Weathered Black, followed by a light coat of Testors Glosscoat, then Microscale decals, then one or more coats of Dullcoat finished with a layer of weathering (and maybe more Dullcoat). I expect that whichever stripping agent I use will remove the layers of finish on top of the decal. But, I also need to make sure it removes the decal film underneath the graphics.
I know that I will need to excercise considerable caution during the process to only use enough stripper and scrubbing action to get the job done, and be prepared to rinse/neutralize the agent before it attacks the paint. I also expect that I may need to do some touchup on the paint before re-applying the decals, and will need to re-weather afterward to blend the decals with the rest of the engine’s finish. The only help I need from the forum members is some idea which stripping agent to start out with, and any other hints they may have learned from similar experiences.
The fact that you coated the decals with Dullcote will make them very difficult to lift without affecting the paint as well.
Anything that will strip the Dullcote will also attack the paint very quickly. And in order to make the finished product look “right,” I don’t think you can just remove the Dullcote over the decals–your patch job will look like just that, a patch job.
I’ll be interested to see if anyone’s managed this.
The decals themselves will come off easily, it’s the Dullcoat that will give you the headaches. Scalecoat Stripper may dissolve the Dullcoat, but you’ll probably need to remove the shell and soak it in the stripper. The base coat of Floquil paint should be solid enough that this stripper won’t hurt it, in fact, if it’s a plastic shell, the shell will dissolve before the paint does.
I have heard that you can lift decals with scotch tape. I haven’t ever tried it. I would guess that the paint would have a better bond on the model than the decal would have on the paint. Any decal film left behind will most likely wash off with water. Since you weathered over the whole thing, there would be a “clean” patch afterward. I don’t see how you can strip the weathering without taking the paint off, too.
I think you’re going to have to do some painting no matter what, but I would probably try this method before I would attempt a “partial” paint strip.
I have done this with varying degrees of success over the years. Dullcote can stripped with alcohol, (70%),&shouldn’t affect the Floquill if you don’t scrub too hard). If you are just trying to remove lettering/logo in specific area, use a cotton swab to scrub off the dullcoat (the weathering should go with it). Some blushing (white frosty) will occur, but it will be neutralized with the final new coat of Dullcote).
Once that’s done, use some MicroSol or Solvaset with a swab and scrub off the decal ink, this can get a bit messy as the ink will smear., so change swabs frequently use clean fluid. By the time the ink is gone, the decal film should be softened enough to come off with a little more scrubbing.
Wash with soap, rinse thoroughly and let dry 24 hours. Sand any rough spots with 600 or 800 grit wet paper, wash again. Now you can do your touch up and prep for new decals, etc.
As I said this works with varying results, so no guarrantees. Good Luck!