An update on my F-4 screw up...

Well after reading everyones post below I kinda felt compelled to see what I could do with it. After trying 3 different types of tape, decal softener, ETC... tried sand paper after applying decal softener and it started to remove the decal very slowly down past the surface color to where the decal was white. I then had an idea. Decal softener was not working as a solvent so I tried lighter fluid which I use as a wash thinner. I rubbed some on the remaing part of the decal and it started wiping off. Then I made the decision to just sacrifice the stripe which tape pulled right off with no problem. I then put the lighter fluid on the decal and started to wet sand it off with a 3200 grit sanding sponge. Worked pretty well. The ugly spots in the middle are where I painted over the walk way decal to prevent color bleed through on the stripe. I think I will let it dry for a day so the clear coat will harden back up, and then sand those areas smooth and touch up the upper intake where the walkway was with a light coat of gray. Redo the panel lines with pencil and then shoot a coat of gloss. I am thinking I can paint the stripe, and it will look good if I take my time. I had made copys of the decals, so it will be easy to make a mask. I have painted markings on my planes before and they came out pretty good. The A-4 in the last pic had its marking on its tail painted on. I wanted it to match the paint on the drop tank.









I want to thank everyone for their input below. I had already boxed it up and started on my next project. But like I said after reading everyones comments I was pushed to give it a shot.

Thanks Guys
Brandon