[AMD] Decal Storage - Proof Positive

We hear lots of opinions about storage of decals, but here is an actual (unintended) experiment to show the results.

 

At the 1985 IPMS/USA nationals, Lloyd Jones and Scalemaster provided entrants with a decal sheet for an Ozark DC-3 and a 64th TGC TC-47B from WWII.  Decals for both subjects were provided in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale.  Lloyd thoughtfully placed all the decals in a sealed plastic bag.  I procured as many of these sheets as I could from non-prop-twin modelers, and came away with 6 sheets.  One came without the sealed bag, so I cut open the end of another bag and inserted the spare decal.  I closed the bag with a short strip of scotch tape, and placed all the decals in the appropriate box for storage.

 

Those decals have now been stored for 23 years!  When I went looking for a DC-3 project this week, I retrieved the decals.  The 4 decals still sealed in the original plastic bags were good-as-new (thanks, Lloyd!).  The pair stored in the bag I'd opened and not completely sealed with tape have turned brown on the edge facing the opening in the bag.

 

Conclusion:  When you receive a decal in an unsealed plastic bag, seal the bag immediately if you're not going to be using the decal right away.  It will make a difference in decal life.

 

Gerry Cole - DEN