Decal yellowing on models

[Darkhunter]

I've noticed that on some of my older kits (AMT) that I have built, the decals have turned a little yellow. Is there a way to keep this from happening in the future and is there a way to reverse the effect on the old kit?

[Mr. Badwrench]

I think I know how to prevent this, coat them in Future. But I don't know how to fix them if they're already on the model. Typically you can use bright sunlight to bleach decals by hanging the sheet in a warm, sunny window for a couple months. But I don't think that would work too well with decals already on a model. It might have bad side effects on the plastic and paint of the model.

One thing you could do is simply strip the old decals off and replace them. Remember to use Future, both under the decals, then over them after placement. Then dullcoat, as necessary.

[Darkhunter]

I think I know how to prevent this, coat them in Future. But I don't know how to fix them if they're already on the model. Typically you can use bright sunlight to bleach decals by hanging the sheet in a warm, sunny window for a couple months. But I don't think that would work too well with decals already on a model. It might have bad side effects on the plastic and paint of the model.

One thing you could do is simply strip the old decals off and replace them. Remember to use Future, both under the decals, then over them after placement. Then dullcoat, as necessary.

Thanks! On some of my older models, I used to apply the future under but only dull coat over. Now, I future under and over then dull coat.

[southwestforests]

How much glue is left on decals when applied?
That might be some of the yellowing.

[Darkhunter]

How much glue is left on decals when applied?
That might be some of the yellowing.

I read that somewhere and it never occurred to me that the glue could cause that kind of problem.