Insert decals

[Taxiturn]

Hi,

I’m currently looking after and doing some basic tarting up of Craig’s STTNG. Several of the insert decals are worn and need replacement, some almost completely gone, some just partially chewed up.

I know that the golden rule of inserts is to only remove them if you need to, especially if the playfield is cleared as that’s another layer that could potentially chip around the edges when tapping out the inserts. On the other hand, I’m not sure I can see a way to get a satisfactory result (straight, flat, trimmed correctly) if applying the decal with the insert in situ on the playfield.

So I’m looking for any tips on this - either on safe insert removal from this kind of playfield, or otherwise, application of decals in situ.

Also on removing the old decals, is the best way to just gently scrape them off with a razor blade or suchlike as I’ve seen in videos, or is there a trick there?

Many thanks,

Simon

 

[Spandangler]

I wouldn’t be removing the inserts to apply decals. Unless they’re significantly raised anyway and would need reseating.

Use a blade to scrape off any existing insert print before applying the new decals.

If you absolutely have to remove the insert. Cut around its outline with a scalpel to cut any clear coat so it doesn’t chip off when you remove it.

Heat from the underside

 

[Taxiturn]

For future reference I ended up not removing the inserts - just scraped off the old decals (which came up in brittle “flakes”) with a razor blade, gave the inserts a little clean, and then stuck the new ones down. So far so good, not perfect but definitely good enough.