What is the secret?

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Socalz44
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14 years 1 month ago #10235 by Socalz44

What is the secret? was created by Socalz44

What is the secret to removing lettering from MTL boxcars or any of their cars? Does MTL use a special printing process that makes their lettering more difficut to remove than other companies? Jim :unsure:

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TerryH
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14 years 1 month ago #10236 by TerryH

Replied by TerryH on topic Re: What is the secret?

Hello Jim,

Nice to see you. I believe I read somewhere that they used break fluid. Now don't go trying this until you do a bit of research. Maybe this might jog someones memory.

Wishing you the best,
TerryH

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soccrdad30
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14 years 1 month ago #10240 by soccrdad30

Replied by soccrdad30 on topic Re: What is the secret?

Jim. For the past few years I have been using Scalecoat II Wash Away. It is a light green fluid in a 16 ounce plastic bottle. When I want to remove lettering from a boxcar, I take a soaked Qtip and go over the area(s) that I want to remove. Then after a minute I take the same Qtip end, snip it at an angle, and use it as a scrub to help remove the lettering. True, it does remove some of the surrounding car paint, but it is the best I have found.

For some crazy reason the lettering is tough to remove. It is like the pad printing for lettering is a different formula.

Nice to have you stop in!

John

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Socalz44
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14 years 1 month ago #10244 by Socalz44

Replied by Socalz44 on topic Re: What is the secret?

Thanks John. Just one clarification. We are talking about MTL cars right? Jim

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Gerd
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14 years 1 month ago #10245 by Gerd

Replied by Gerd on topic Re: What is the secret?

Jim,
I never had really good success in removing lettering only, I always do a full strip and repaint.

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Socalz44
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14 years 1 month ago #10246 by Socalz44

Replied by Socalz44 on topic Re: What is the secret?

Gerd, is that because MTL uses a different printing method that other companies may not use? Jim

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soccrdad30
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14 years 1 month ago #10247 by soccrdad30

Replied by soccrdad30 on topic Re: What is the secret?

Jim, I agree with Gerd how tough it is to remove just the lettering. I think the overall body paint is just sprayed on. But since lettering is pad printed, the ink particles are pressed or compacted to a denser substance. I usually buy the undecs when planning ahead(cheaper), but have resorted to strip unwanted rollingstock before painting.

John

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