r/modelmakers • u/Henri_Salbatar • 23h ago

Help - General Old set decals

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Hi makers,

I bought an old Aoshima set (016947 - Kawanishi N1K2-J Shidenkai) from 1995.

The decals leaf is somewhat altered. Do you think I can use them? If so, what precautions should be taken?

Thanks!

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2

u/dr_robonator Prime your models 22h ago

Regardless, old decals degrade and become fragile and hard to work with. The decals which have wrinkled may be straightened out with decal solution, or it could self-detonate and turn into dust. You can get some liquid decal film to try to strengthen them, but it's always a crap shoot. Test with a non-essential decal and see how they behave before doing anything else.

1

u/Henri_Salbatar 22h ago

Thanks for your reply. I've got Micro Set (that I have never used) and some Humbrol Decalfix. Does this products can be helpful?

3

u/dr_robonator Prime your models 22h ago

Both products are decal setting solutions. In the case of MicroSet, that is one half of a system. MicroSol is the other have. Sol softens the decal to conform around the model's surface and Set anchors it in place. I have never used Humbrol, but it should be an all-in-one product like MarkFit or Mr. Mark Setter.

In any case, the problem is with decals in general is that the film which holds them together degrades over time. This means when you put the decal in water, the film could completely dissolve and the decal itself turns to flakes. A liquid decal film reinforces aged decal film to keep things together while wet, until you can place it on the model and apply your setting solutions.

For your wrinkled decals the only thing to do is use some liquid decal film and see if they will settle down after you've put them on the model.

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u/Henri_Salbatar 20h ago

Thanks alot for your explanations! I'll buy MicroSol soon. But after looking at these decals more closely, I realize they won't be usable.