100SQN Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 I've got 2 sets of decals and was wondering if there's any option for removing the faint yellowing ? Also if I wasn't able to fix them would it show up when applied to my models ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Test Graham Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 (edited) Leave them in bright sunlight for a while (i.e. days or longer). Usually this works. Edited April 1, 2014 by Graham Boak Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennings Heilig Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 It can usually be temporarily fixed, but as long as their is oxygen in the atmosphere, it will return. It's caused by oxidation of organic compounds in the decal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
depressed lemur Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 What Graham said, tape them to a window and leave for a week or so. I did this with some old Hasegawa decals which had yellowed and they came back in a couple of weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Knight Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 or use an ultraviolet light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aerofan Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Like Jennings said isn't it only a temporary fix. When you apply the decal on your kit, doesn't it yellow again even if you seal it with a clear coat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormfrontmodels Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Surely, if it's sealed with a clear coat, that will prevent oxygen from getting to it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Knight Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 Cleared decals haven't yellowed again on me, yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Thompson Posted April 1, 2014 Share Posted April 1, 2014 What Graham said, tape them to a window and leave for a week or so. I did this with some old Hasegawa decals which had yellowed and they came back in a couple of weeks. Don't just tape them to a window, put them in a resealable clear plastic bag, then tape that to the window. Otherwise, you may find that condensation on the window will moisten the decals and damage them. Cleared decals haven't yellowed again on me, yet Same here. John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennings Heilig Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 There are no absolutes, but in general, no, a paint coat will not prevent it. Paint coatings are not hermetically sealed. Oxygen can still get through. It depends on the composition of the decal and a thousand other variables. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hotel Papa Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 It depends on the composition of the decal and a thousand other variables. Wouldn't the backing paper be a big factor in this? Paper made from wood is notorious for yellowing and also affecting its surrounds. I can imagine that the decals, once remove from the "corrosive environment that is paper", would be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huvut76g7gbbui7 Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 I did this with a set of old Airfix F-27 Troopship decals about 18 months ago (that was the last time we had sun up here I think!) The paint scheme is the grey white and dayglo one and there is no sign of yellowing yet. RG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Black Knight Posted April 2, 2014 Share Posted April 2, 2014 I find there are two elements which yellow; the carrier for the printed design, [used to be commonly called the varnish], and the adhesive. When its the adhesive this can be washed off the back of the decal and something like Klear, or very dilute PVA, used to keep the design in place. When its the carrier trimming close to the design as well as a dose of UV seems to do the job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
100SQN Posted April 2, 2014 Author Share Posted April 2, 2014 Thanks for the great response guys. Looks like I'll be sticking them on my windows. Not sure what the neighbours will think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Collins Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Make sure you use a south- or west-facing window if possible. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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