Clearly Not For Nails.

[Westaway]

My Chubby's decal degenerated to the point that I peeled it off last week. Before I bought it I had read about decal issues, therefore the brush handle was never allowed to soak in water. I kept it dry as possible but it became unreadable in about 7 months of use. The brush is now beautiful and unblemished but I wish it had been my choice and not the "Don't Wet Me" trademark decal that self destructs over a short period of time. I have run across a comment or two recently that newer manufactured decals are more waterproof than earlier ones. Don't have a clue if this is true because so far I have only owned this one Simpson brush (bought new from Smallflower in Chicago)

In response to my complaints in the past some members have said that they peel off the decals when their brush arrives anyhow. I've also read that some paint clear nail polish over the decal to protect it. Is this the best solution? If you changed your mind later I would assume that nail polish remover wouldn't mar the fine glossy finish of the Simpson Handle.

In anticipation of two new Simpsons that will arrive soon I am not sure if I really want to nail polish the decals or if there is a better method of protection. In the model paint section at Hobby Lobby there is a small bottle of clear liquid that is used to apply decals to planes, tanks, boat models etc. Would this liquid also act as a decal protector? I know that I can order new decals from Simpson but they are really very overpriced considering the mailing cost that is added. Also it doesn't seem right for a customer to ask them to send free decals as a favor. Unless of course the replacement decal was permanent. I really would like to enjoy the brushes for a while in their "as sold and shipped" look. Somehow this problem doesn't seem fair to the consumer. It is almost like buying a top of the line fishing boat, but when you get it home you have to apply waterproofing before you take it to the lake. All of this said..... I would rather apply my lather with a Simpson Sans Decal than not to have one to shave with.

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[NSmalls]

I think you're overthinking it. I tried putting clear nail polish on a sticker once and it just smudged and looked horrible so I took the sticker off. The nail Polish does not come off the handle that easily. I would just let it go and see what happens. It's just a sticker and they typically last me quite a while. None that I've owned have ever fallen off.

 

[White Tuna]

I taped off my brush and used 3 fine passes of semigloss over the sticker on my Duke 2. By fine I mean I held it pretty far away and did one "pass" in one direction. Very little product per pass. I then waited a day for it to properly dry and did the next pass. I know a day is overkill but I would rather do it right than do it fast. I can feel it when I pass over it with my fingertip but I like the look of the sticker much more than the plain white handle. If I ever wanted to remove it I guess I would try toothpaste or polishing compound.

 

[john parker]

Have no experience with nail polish, but do have a Colonel (bought new), a Berkeley (bought somewhat used) and a Tulip (bought slightly used). No problem or indication of a problem with the stickers on any of them. The Colonel is probably five years old, the Berkeley possibily the same, and the Tulip probably a year or two. Personally, I am leaving my brushes alone; if I ever have a problem I will make a decision to get new stickers from Simpsons or see how I feel about them without a sticker on.

 

[nightguard]

The product you're looking at in the Hobby shop is used for settling decals down over uneven surfaces and model details. It actually weakens decals significantly. Model builders tend to clear coat the entire model after applying decals. Personally I have left my Simpson decals alone, the only way to seal them in is to use clear nail polish or clearcoat varnish, I wouldn't want either anywhere near my brushes.

 

[Westaway]

The product you're looking at in the Hobby shop is used for settling decals down over uneven surfaces and model details. It actually weakens decals significantly. Model builders tend to clear coat the entire model after applying decals. Personally I have left my Simpson decals alone, the only way to seal them in is to use clear nail polish or clearcoat varnish, I wouldn't want either anywhere near my brushes.

I very much appreciate the advice. My inclination is to leave well enough alone and do no harm. I would rather have the decal removed than a blemish on the handle.

 

[mikegeorge]

The sticker is kind a like a "sticker price" on a new car window. I don't need it to be there.

 

[Foyle]

The sticker began to fall apart on my Duke 2 shortly after getting it, and I peeled it off. It looks better that way I think.