General Advice/Coaching/Reminders for replacing stickers

[Stepwise]

I'm taking a shot at touching up some of my TFs with replacement stickers from Toyhax.

(Man, that said Reprolabels for a while. I'm getting old.)

For the moment, it's just touching up some Minibots, putting the really simple labels on Laser Optimus Prime, and then retouching my original Optimus Prime.



What should I know before I get going with this project? I'm planning on using tweezers or a brick separator to put the new labels on, but is there a "right way" to remove old stickers, do I need to clean the plastic before applying new stickers, and, should I do anything like micro-seal over these to preserve them?

Any advice/coaching/reminders/etc. is appreciated. Hopefully it goes well - I don't plan on doing this with every single TF in my collection, but it'd be nice to be able to touch up some of the oldest ones.

 

[Gizmoboy]

• Tweezers are a must for adding the new stickers.
• As for taking the old ones off, I have heard rubbing alcohol can work, but be careful as it can take paint off your bots too.
• I usually just wipe the area off well before applying the stickers. I don't go as far as washing with soap and water. However, it could only help if you did as starting with a nice, clean surface really does help with adherence.
• I never but a micro-seal over the stickers. As long as they are good quality stickers (ToyHax stickers are great) then I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Haywire]

Everything Gizmoboy said is good advice. I would definitely recommend getting a set of precision tweezers at a craft, hardware, or auto parts store (or online if you prefer...). They make special tweezers for handling stamps which are good for larger stickers, and tweezers with various bends on the tips for the finer work.
If you do wash off the parts with alcohol or a similar chemical, give it time to "flash" (or evaporate/dissipate) before applying stickers so the cleaning chemical doesn't react with the adhesive on the stickers. Usually 15-30 minutes is adequate.

 

[Stepwise]

Thank you!

Minibots are done. Laser Prime stickers are done . . . and since I still had the original unapplied stickers, I've started putting some of them on the trailer. Brighten it up a little bit so I could use it as a backdrop in pics at some point.

I've been giving the cleaner time to evaporate - thanks for the reminder.

I've been using tweezers - there are times where I wish I had a second set to hold things in place. I may pick up a nice set like the stamp ones you mentioned before going after my G1 Prime.

There's so much dust, though. I can see why some people display everything in enclosed cabinets.

 

[Gizmoboy]

I understand about the dust. It is an ongoing struggle to keep the display dusted. I've been trying to stay on top of that more recently.

I also need to get around to applying stickers to Trypticon, Metroplex, and Fort Max. I've just been too lazy.