Removing decals without destroying the paint job

[mjs101]

I've got a recent batch of 15mm WWII tanks that I applied decals to. I used a mix of Allied Stars, Allied stars in circles, and Allied stars with broken circles. The overall look of the platoon is silly because they don't match. I don't really want to completely strip and repaint.

I've sealed the figures with gloss coat before applying the decals and sealed them again but with only dull coat.


Any suggestions for removing only decals?

 

[Bloodhowl]

I've got a recent batch of 15mm WWII tanks that I applied decals to. I used a mix of Allied Stars, Allied stars in circles, and Allied stars with broken circles. The overall look of the platoon is silly because they don't match. I don't really want to completely strip and repaint.

I've sealed the figures with gloss coat before applying the decals and sealed them again but with only dull coat.


Any suggestions for removing only decals?

Since they are sealed, getting them off without damaging the paint may be difficult.

I would try one of the following:

1. Poking the decals with a pin then soaking them in water and seeing if you can get them to lift off.

2. Brush on some decal sol and once they soften, try to wipe them off.

3. Paint over them and apply new decals.

 

[Mr. Biggles]

If you want to have stars with complete circles on all your vehicles, try just placing the new decal over the old ones. Try and match them up so that the older decals are completely covered. This will work if the stars of the older decals are exactly the same size as the new ones are. Then weather or just put on a wash to blend in the fresh decals. This is the fastest and easiest way.

 

[airhead]

or paint them freehand. the hard part would be keeping the line width the same around the circle.

 

[Countersnipe]

I recommend using gloss varnish to apply "layers" to a miniature.

1) Paint your tank as you normally would.
2) Put gloss varnish over the area you want to decal.
3) After drying, put your decal on the gloss area.
// because the area has a gloss finish the paint job under the finish will be maintained, and the decal will slide around smoothly so you can place it where you want to without destroying it. If you don't like the look of the decal, just remove it and put another one on. The gloss varnish will protect your paint job.
4) If you're satisfied, matte finish it and you're done.

Note: You should always use a type of varnish seal to create layers on your miniatures. This way if you mess up you can just go back to the previous layer without destroying all your work.

You can also use varnish to apply rust effects to your tank. For example:
1) Dry brush orange and brown over the entire tank to create rust effects.
2) Gloss varnish the entire piece.
3) Paint tank as you normally would.
4) Apply water to an area you want to apply a rust effect to.
5) Rub on the area with a wooden tooth pick.

This will remove the paint and create realistic 3D chipped paint look on the tank.
Some people use hair spray, but gloss varnish will do the exact same thing.

 

[Bloodhowl]

I recommend using gloss varnish to apply "layers" to a miniature.

1) Paint your tank as you normally would.
2) Put gloss varnish over the area you want to decal.
3) After drying, put your decal on the gloss area.
// because the area has a gloss finish the paint job under the finish will be maintained, and the decal will slide around smoothly so you can place it where you want to without destroying it. If you don't like the look of the decal, just remove it and put another one on. The gloss varnish will protect your paint job.
4) If you're satisfied, matte finish it and you're done.

Note: You should always use a type of varnish seal to create layers on your miniatures. This way if you mess up you can just go back to the previous layer without destroying all your work.

You can also use varnish to apply rust effects to your tank. For example:
1) Dry brush orange and brown over the entire tank to create rust effects.
2) Gloss varnish the entire piece.
3) Paint tank as you normally would.
4) Apply water to an area you want to apply a rust effect to.
5) Rub on the area with a wooden tooth pick.

This will remove the paint and create realistic 3D chipped paint look on the tank.
Some people use hair spray, but gloss varnish will do the exact same thing.

This is great info for applying decals, but the OP asked how to remove decals he had sealed on the model without damaging the underlying paint job. :beerwave: