I needed to remove old waterslide decals on an older Sterling Mustang, so I tried what I have around the shop.
A Fine 3M pad eventually took them off the balsa fuselage but barely touched the stars on the iron-on covered wing, and I began to cut through the covering.

Cello tape pulled up minute particles - don't think I'd live long enough.

I tried rubbing a couple minutes with a cotton swab: 70% iso alcohol, acetone, Goo Gone, lighter fluid and Microscale Micro Sol - not even discoloration on the swabs.
Possibly if left long enough, they might show some results, but I'm impatient.
I've read that Microscale Solva Set will work, but don't have any.

Swabbed on and left to set:
Klean Strip gel paint remover softened the white, not the colors, before it seemed to be attacking the film, so I discontinued.
Brake fluid dissolved white and red after 3-ish minutes, the blue took 20-30 mins and gentle rubbing with a craft stick.
Wiping smeared residue all over but alcohol easily removed it.

Success!
But I would not have believed anything so seemingly fragile could be such a PITA to remove.      

Anyone have an easier way?

Terry

Doc, if I knew how to do iron-on I might have - still have another on the bottom to remove! 

Terry

No clear on it, Charles.
The bottom decal, having some protection from the elements I suppose, was in much better condition and a bit more troublesome.
It came off completely though, taking 3 ~30 min brake fluid applications and craft stick rubbing.
Bits of adhesive were left and alcohol cleanup removed that.
It's pretty obvious that the white film has discolored over time, but not an issue if I paint it.
I'm investigating that in another thread.


Terry

I initially sanded off small fuselage decals but was surprised how much elbow grease it took.
The brake fluid is taking of the fuselage stars, it just needs to set for about an hour before scraping.
No damage to the finish and for me, lesser effort is more gooder! 

Terry